The bilateral summit held yesterday, 19 January 2026, at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul marked a historic step forward in Italy–South Korea relations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met to discuss a broad range of strategic, industrial, and technological priorities, further consolidating the partnership between the two nations.

During the summit, the leaders agreed to a new 5-year action plan (2026–2030) to guide cooperation in advanced industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and critical mineral supply chains. The plan aims to strengthen industrial collaboration and make global value chains more resilient and secure.

President Lee highlighted the synergy potential of combining Italy’s scientific and technological expertise with South Korea’s innovation-driven economy, emphasizing joint efforts to respond to global challenges such as climate change. Prime Minister Meloni noted the countries’ shared values of creativity, innovation, and tradition, and underlined Italy’s commitment to attracting Korean investments in high-tech sectors such as robotics, microelectronics, and automotive.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, including cooperation on the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the summit addressed collaboration in sports and major international events, notably the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. President Lee accepted an invitation from Italian President Sergio Mattarella for a state visit to Italy later this year.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ITCCK) welcomes the outcomes of this summit, recognizing its significance for enhancing bilateral economic, industrial, and technological cooperation, and looks forward to supporting Italian companies in exploring the opportunities created by this strengthened partnership.

Sources: Korea Times, Korea, Italy agree to deepen industrial, strategic cooperation at Seoul summit (Photo Credit: Korea Times); Sole24Ore, Minerali critici e semiconduttori, Meloni sigla l’alleanza con il coreano Lee.