- South Korea and Italy strengthen cooperation in AI, semiconductors, aerospace and critical mineral resource development.
- Leaders sign a memorandum of understanding to improve semiconductor production, development, and ensure reliable supply chains.
- Talks cover research, education, tourism, and security, reflecting shared goals for long-term collaborative benefits.
The president of South Korea, Lee Jae-Myung, and the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, reached an agreement on Monday to enhance the cooperation between the two countries in various important technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, and critical mineral resources.
The development came when the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited South Korea, which is the first visit by an Italian Prime Minister to South Korea in the last 19 years.
As part of these talks, there was a memorandum of understanding on semiconductor industry cooperation through which Seoul and Rome would collaborate for better production and development of these advanced chips, especially related to AI technology.
Both leaders highlighted the significance of having robust and trustworthy supply chains for significant materials for these tech sectors.
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Apart from technology and supply chains, Lee and Meloni discussed other domains of common interest, which ranged from research collaborations, cultural exchanges, to tourism and educational collaborations.
Additionally, they underscored collective efforts towards the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, not to mention shared interests in diplomatic and security sectors.
Italy is among South Korea's leading trading partners within the European Union, and it is hoped that this new partnership will bring long-term benefits for both parties. Meloni's visit is part of a broader Asian tour that will see her visit Japan and Oman, where she invited President Lee to pay a state visit to Italy later in the year.
The leaders’ agreement to intensify collaboration in advanced industries reflects increasing efforts by countries worldwide to fortify technological leadership, especially in AI and semiconductor development, amid growing global competition.