S. Korea, Italy elevate ties to 'special strategic partnership,' vow cooperation on AI, 6G

President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday that the values championed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella — democracy, constitutional order, human dignity, intergenerational solidarity and a rules-based international order — align closely with his own governing philosophy. He described that philosophy as carrying forward the spirit of the "Revolution of Light," which preserved constitutional order through the power of the people, to strengthen democracy and peace. Speaking at the opening of their summit at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Thursday local time, Lee said he hoped the two countries would work together on the basis of those shared values to address uncertainty in the international order and the compounding global crises of the day.

Following the summit, South Korea and Italy announced in a joint press statement that they had agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a "special strategic partnership."

The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding on advanced science, technology and ICT cooperation, building on eight existing joint research programs in areas including AI, advanced biotech, space, maritime and aviation, and semiconductors and displays. The new MOU will institutionalize cooperation in national strategic technology sectors — AI, quantum industry, 6G mobile communications and advanced biotech.

Supply chain stability and energy security also featured prominently on the agenda. With tensions in the Middle East fueling growing uncertainty in global supply chains, the two leaders agreed on the need for coordination among like-minded countries and committed to close cooperation on energy security and supply chain stabilization.

The two countries also agreed to sign an MOU on small and medium-sized enterprise cooperation and an MOU on social solidarity economy cooperation, both aimed at expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises and small business owners. Lee said the agreements "will serve as an important foundation for identifying practical support measures for SMEs and small business owners, and for revitalizing the social solidarity economy ecosystem in both countries."

Under a development cooperation MOU, South Korea and Italy will jointly support economic growth in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region and will expand collaboration on renewable energy transition and climate change response. The two countries also agreed to tackle the shared challenge of the climate crisis through a joint push for a "great transition to renewable energy" and to actively contribute to international efforts on the issue.

Lee said he also 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 responded that he would work together with us toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," Lee said.

Lee added that the two countries would broaden the scope of their cooperation on the international stage — including at the UN — on the basis of their shared commitment to international law and multilateral cooperation. He also said the two sides plan to adopt a "2026–2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" to faithfully implement and review all the outcomes and cooperation measures agreed upon.

A state dinner that evening brought together a large contingent of business leaders from both countries, creating an opportunity to strengthen economic ties. South 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 present are also expected to attend a Korea-Italy business roundtable scheduled for Friday.

At the dinner, Lee received Italy's 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 kings 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.