South Korea, Italy sign 4 MOUs on advanced tech, ICT cooperation during Lee's state visit

President Lee Jae-myung signed four government-to-government memoranda of understanding with Italy on Friday during a state visit, covering advanced industry cooperation and broader bilateral exchanges.

The MOUs aim to open new avenues for cooperation built on accumulated trust and shared values between the two countries.

The most prominent agreement is an MOU on advanced science, technology and ICT cooperation, signed between South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT and Italy's Ministry of University and Research. Under the pact, the two countries plan to collaborate in future strategic technology fields including AI, quantum technology, biotech and life sciences, and space technology.

The agreement also establishes an institutional framework to develop science and technology as a new pillar of the two countries' "special strategic partnership," including a mechanism to review the implementation of joint projects through a Korea-Italy science and technology joint committee.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation signed a development cooperation MOU, under which the two sides will regularize policy consultations and pursue joint development projects in Africa to generate synergies.

Specific initiatives under discussion include agricultural projects such as coffee farming and digital education programs, with Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire identified as target countries.

In addition, South Korea's Ministry of Interior and Safety and Italy's Ministry of Labor and Social Policies signed a social solidarity economy MOU, committing both sides to joint research on related policies, improvements to relevant laws and regulations, and support for activating social solidarity finance.

The fourth MOU covers cooperation in small and medium-sized enterprises and small business. It aims to strengthen the global competitiveness of SMEs and small businesses in both countries by combining Italy's traditional manufacturing capabilities and craftsmanship with South Korea's technological innovation.

Meanwhile, President Lee and Prime Minister Meloni agreed on a "2026–2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" to track concrete progress in bilateral cooperation as the two countries elevate their relationship to the level of a special strategic partnership.

The plan includes measures to strengthen communication through regular high-level visits; promote advanced technology industry cooperation through mechanisms such as a joint coordination committee on critical raw materials and automotive manufacturing; pursue joint initiatives to foster a defense industry partnership between the two countries; enhance joint efforts to combat transnational crime; and support cultural initiatives linked to language and cultural heritage.