National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik met with Italian Chamber of Deputies Speaker Lorenzo Fontana on Monday at the speaker's reception room to discuss expanding parliamentary exchanges between the two countries and strengthening cooperation in future industries.
During the meeting, Cho asked Fontana to ensure that Korean companies operating in the EU receive fair and non-discriminatory treatment in connection with the Industrial Acceleration Act currently under discussion at the EU level, requesting his attention and support on the matter.
Fontana said his visit to South Korea was prompted by progress already made on requests Cho had raised during his own visit to Italy last month, and he outlined the specific steps taken on each issue.
Notably, bilateral consultations within Italy's related ministries have advanced considerably on two issues Cho raised during that Italy trip: mutual recognition of driver's licenses and tourism guide certification for Korean nationals.
Cho recalled concerns he had heard from Korean residents and business people in Italy during a community meeting on his visit, and asked Fontana to help resolve the licensing issue so that Koreans living in Italy can obtain tourism guide qualifications without difficulty.
Fontana said consultations with Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport on mutual driver's license recognition were already complete, adding that Italy was working to conclude a new bilateral agreement to resolve the matter soon.
On the tourism guide issue, Fontana said discussions with Italy's Ministry of Culture and Tourism had also concluded, and pledged that Italy would take all necessary steps to ensure Korean tourists can receive tour guidance in Italy without inconvenience.
Meanwhile, Cho said South Korea and Italy are both culturally rich nations with long histories and abundant cultural heritage, as well as traditional allies and partners well positioned to cooperate broadly in advanced future industries such as AI, space and defense.
He added that with the two countries' relationship elevated to a "special strategic partnership" this year, the National Assembly would give its full backing to expanding substantive cooperation based on the 2026–2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan. He also expressed gratitude to Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto for her efforts to advance the bilateral relationship.
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