Lee says Korea, Italy share values of 'Revolution of Light'; Samsung's Lee Jae-yong attends state dinner

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to Italy, said the values championed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella — democracy, constitutional order, human dignity, intergenerational solidarity and a rules-based international order — align with his own governing philosophy. He described that philosophy as carrying forward the spirit of the "Revolution of Light," a movement in which citizens defended constitutional order through their own power, with the aim of strengthening democracy and peace.

Lee made the remarks Thursday in his opening statement at summit talks with Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome. He said he hoped the two countries would "work together on the basis of these shared values to jointly address uncertainty in the international order and the complex global crises we face."

Following the summit, the two countries issued a joint press statement elevating bilateral ties to a "special strategic partnership."

The two sides agreed to formalize cooperation in national strategic technology sectors — including AI, quantum industries, sixth-generation mobile communications and advanced biotech — by signing a memorandum of understanding on advanced science, technology and ICT cooperation. The agreement builds on eight ongoing joint research programs in fields such as AI, advanced biotech, space, maritime and aviation, and semiconductors and displays.

Supply chain and energy security cooperation also featured prominently on the agenda. The two leaders agreed to work closely to stabilize energy security and supply chains, acknowledging the growing uncertainty caused by recent tensions in the Middle East and the need for coordination among friendly nations.

The two countries also agreed to sign MOUs on small and medium-sized enterprise cooperation and on social solidarity economy cooperation, aimed at expanding support for small businesses and self-employed workers. Lee said the agreements "will serve as an important foundation for identifying practical support measures for small businesses and the self-employed, and for invigorating the social solidarity economy ecosystems of both countries."

Under a development cooperation MOU, the two countries plan to jointly support economic growth in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region and to expand collaboration on renewable energy transition and climate change response.

The two sides also agreed to jointly tackle the shared global challenge of climate change through a "great transition to renewable energy" and to actively contribute to international efforts on the issue.

Lee added that he had shared with Mattarella his vision for peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. "President Mattarella expressed high regard for our government's commitment to dialogue and cooperation, and said he would work alongside us for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said.

Lee said the two countries would "broaden the horizon of cooperation on the international stage, including at the UN, on the basis of our shared values of respecting international law and multilateral cooperation." He added that the two sides plan to adopt a "2026-2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" to implement and review all outcomes and areas of cooperation agreed upon.

That evening's state dinner brought together a large contingent of business leaders from both countries, creating an opportunity to strengthen economic ties. Korean attendees included Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Ryu Jin, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, LS Group Chairman Koo Ja-eun, Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, Samyang Foods Chairman Kim Jung-soo, Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon and Hyundai Motor Co. President Sung Kim. Those who attended the dinner are also expected to take part in a Korea-Italy business roundtable scheduled for Friday.

At the dinner, Lee received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — the first decoration he has received from a foreign head of state since taking office.

The Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic is Italy's highest honor, established March 3, 1951. It is awarded to Italian nationals or foreign heads of state who have rendered distinguished service to Italy's national prestige. Past recipients have included the monarchs of the United Kingdom and Belgium and the presidents of the United Arab Emirates and Bulgaria, among other leaders of Italy's closest partner nations.