▲ Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung and Italian Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policies Maria Teresa Bellucci sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on social solidarity economy at the Prime Minister's official residence in Rome, Italy, on June 12 (local time), in the presence of President Lee Jae-myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
On the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Italy, South Korea and Italy signed four intergovernmental Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to expand bilateral exchanges, including strengthening cooperation in advanced industries.
First, the two sides signed an "MOU on Advanced Science, Technology, and ICT Cooperation," agreeing to pursue collaboration in future strategic technology fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, bio and life sciences, and space technology.
In particular, the two countries decided to monitor the implementation of cooperation projects through a joint committee on science and technology. The Presidential Office explained that this has laid the foundation to make the science and technology sector a new pillar of cooperation in the two countries' special strategic partnership.
The two nations also signed a "Development Cooperation MOU," agreeing to pursue development projects in Africa where they can create synergy.
The Presidential Office stated that specific projects, such as identifying agricultural initiatives like coffee production and digital education programs, are being discussed, with Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Côte d'Ivoire identified as target countries.
Furthermore, South Korea and Italy signed an "MOU on Social Solidarity Economy," agreeing to conduct joint research on policies in the social solidarity economy sector and support the revitalization of social solidarity finance.
Finally, an MOU on cooperation in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and micro-enterprise sectors was also signed.
This agreement includes provisions to promote policy dialogue and institutional exchanges regarding SMEs and micro-enterprises. The Presidential Office projected that "it will be possible to strengthen global competitiveness by linking Italy's traditional manufacturing capabilities and craftsmanship with South Korea's technological innovation capabilities."
As the bilateral relationship is elevated to the level of a special strategic partnership, President Lee and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed on the "2026-2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" to monitor the progress of specific cooperation.
The plan includes measures to strengthen communication through regular high-level visits, promote cooperation in advanced technology industries by establishing a joint coordination committee in the fields of core raw materials and automotive manufacturing, pursue joint initiatives to foster partnerships between the two countries' defense industries, enhance joint efforts to combat transnational crime, and support cultural initiatives linked to language and cultural heritage.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.