Korea, Italy vow deeper AI and chip cooperation

Jan 20, 2026, 08:16 am

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pose for a photo during an official luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae on Jan. 19. Meloni is seen holding a pink Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 gifted by Lee. / Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae

President Lee Jae-myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed Monday to expand cooperation across advanced industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, supply chains for critical minerals, aerospace, and key raw materials.

Speaking at a joint press conference after their summit at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said the two leaders had agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “future-oriented level befitting the name of strategic partners.”

Meloni’s visit marked the first by an Italian prime minister to South Korea in 19 years and the first foreign leader received by Lee since his return to Cheong Wa Dae last month.

In a joint statement, the two sides pledged to deliver tangible outcomes in trade and investment, advanced science and technology and higher education, culture and tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and international cooperation.

Lee said the countries would broaden cooperation into cutting-edge sectors such as AI and aerospace by supporting joint research in basic and applied fields and fostering capable researchers. He added that the two sides would also pursue complementary cooperation in defense based on their respective strengths.

The leaders signed three memorandums of understanding, covering semiconductor industry cooperation, civilian protection, and the protection of cultural heritage and landscapes. Centering on the semiconductor MOU, the two countries also agreed to strengthen joint efforts to develop supply chains for critical minerals through multilateral initiatives such as the Minerals Security Partnership, which South Korea currently chairs.

Meloni stressed the urgency of joint research on critical minerals, calling them a strategic priority.

The leaders also shared views on easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and upholding global peace and values. Lee said the two countries would work together to safeguard peace beyond the peninsula.

Injecting a lighter moment into the talks, Meloni noted that her daughter is a K-pop fan, underscoring the importance of cultural cooperation. Meloni previously attended a Blackpink concert in Milan with her daughter last August. The daughter, who accompanied Meloni on the visit, drew attention upon arrival in Seoul carrying a Blackpink light stick.

Meloni invited Lee to pay a state visit to Italy, and Lee responded that he looked forward to visiting Italy in the near future to continue constructive discussions and deliver concrete results.

Following the summit, the two leaders shared an official luncheon. Lee surprised Meloni with a pink Samsung Electronics Galaxy Z Flip 7—pink being Meloni’s favorite color—according to a written briefing by the presidential spokesperson. The leaders also took an impromptu selfie together in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

#Lee Jae-myung #Giorgia Meloni #South Korea Italy summit #AI cooperation #semiconductor cooperation