South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held summit talks in Seoul on January 19, agreeing to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence. The leaders discussed broadening cultural exchanges and reaffirmed commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, among other topics. Meloni's visit marks the first by an Italian leader to Seoul in 19 years.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held summit talks at the presidential office in Seoul on January 19, 2026. The meeting resulted in agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, defense, and aerospace. In his opening remarks, Lee stated, "By combining Italy's traditional strengths as a scientific powerhouse with the core DNA of the Republic of Korea as a technology leader, the two countries can create significant synergy." He emphasized joint efforts on global challenges like climate change and the importance of expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges, adding that he plans a reciprocal visit to Italy.
Meloni proposed new areas of collaboration, including critical-mineral supply chains, semiconductors, transportation, and infrastructure. Noting that her daughter is a K-pop fan, she expressed hope for expanded cultural cooperation, particularly in pop music. On Sunday, Meloni visited the Seoul National Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen veterans and received an album documenting Italian medical personnel's humanitarian aid during the 1950-53 Korean War.
This was their second summit, following their first meeting on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September 2025. Meloni arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a three-day official visit, part of her Asia tour that also includes Japan and Oman. Italy is South Korea's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union, with about 1 million South Koreans visiting annually. The two nations marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
