South Korea and Italy Forge New Economic and Tech Alliances in 2026
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Seoul from January 17 to 19, 2026. Their discussions focused on deepening ties in trade, technology, and cultural exchange, with both leaders signing three key agreements to boost cooperation between their nations.
During the visit, Lee and Meloni signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs). One covered semiconductor collaboration, another addressed civil defence, and the third aimed at expanding economic and technological partnerships. The leaders emphasised the need for stronger supply chain cooperation, particularly in critical sectors like AI, aerospace, and raw materials.
Meloni highlighted her personal connection to Korean culture, mentioning her daughter’s interest in K-pop. She expressed hope for broader cultural exchanges, including sports cooperation ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Lee responded by proposing a future-oriented partnership, building on the existing strategic relationship between the two countries. The talks also touched on regional stability, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Meloni invited Lee to make a state visit to Italy later in 2026, though no specific date or location was set. As a gesture of goodwill, Lee presented her with a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 in pink. The two sides agreed to expand collaboration across multiple fields, including science, tourism, and international cooperation. Both leaders stressed the importance of strengthening industrial ties to ensure long-term economic growth for their nations.
The meeting resulted in concrete agreements on semiconductors, civil defence, and broader economic cooperation. Meloni’s invitation for Lee to visit Italy later in 2026 signals a continued push for closer relations. The discussions also set the stage for deeper collaboration in technology, culture, and regional security.
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