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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Italian President Sergio Mattarella deliver a joint press statement at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on the 11th (local time). / Yonhap News Agency.

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with President Sergio Mattarella in Rome, Italy, on the 11th (local time) and agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a "Special Strategic Partnership."

Based on this, the two countries aim to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including AI (artificial intelligence), defense, aerospace, energy, and bio.

President Lee, who is on a state visit to Italy, stated in a joint press announcement after the summit with President Mattarella at the presidential palace in Rome that day, "Today, the two leaders agreed to elevate our bilateral relations to a 'Special Strategic Partnership,' reflecting our commitment to developing cooperation between our two nations more dynamically."

President Lee said, "The horizon of our cooperation is widening as much as the long 142 years of trusted ties we have shared," adding, "Based on the trust and bond accumulated over the years, we will open a new chapter of cooperation toward mutual prosperity."

Introducing the "Korea-Italy Business Round Table" to be held in Rome on the 12th, President Lee expressed anticipation, saying, "It will be a highly useful time for companies from both countries to seek growth opportunities in various fields, such as semiconductors, AI, defense, aerospace, energy, and bio."

He followed up by expressing hope that "the 'Memorandum of Understanding on Small and Medium Enterprise Cooperation' and the 'Memorandum of Understanding on Social and Solidarity Economy Cooperation' to be signed this time will serve as an important foundation for vitalizing the social and solidarity economy ecosystems of both countries."

In addition, President Lee introduced the discussions held regarding Italy's "hyper-depreciation system" during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to South Korea last January, saying, "The Italian government and parliament responded swiftly, resolving unfavorable conditions for our companies. I express my gratitude."

He then promised, "Korea will also pay close attention to ensure smooth and stable activities for Italian companies."

The hyper-depreciation system is a mechanism that reduces the corporate tax burden by allowing companies to recognize expenses at an amount higher than the actual purchase price when introducing new equipment.

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation in advanced industries and science and technology.

President Lee introduced, "From 2026 to 2028, South Korea and Italy are supporting joint research projects in eight fields over three years, including AI, advanced bio, space-maritime-aviation, and semiconductors-displays," adding, "In particular, the space agencies of both countries are co-tracking satellite orbits and positions to jointly respond to risks."

He expressed expectation that "the newly adopted 'Memorandum of Understanding on Advanced Science, Technology, and ICT Cooperation' will further reinforce this momentum."

President Lee also introduced cultural cooperation between the two nations, such as the launching of a Korean audio guide service at the Roman ruins of 'Foro Romano,' and the planned signing of a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation between South Korea's National Museum of Korea and Italy's Uffizi Gallery.

The two leaders agreed to jointly respond to global uncertainties stemming from the Middle East war.

President Lee said, "Experiencing the supply chain crisis arising from the recent war in the Middle East, we deeply realize the necessity of coordination among allies," adding, "The two nations will work together to pursue energy security and supply chain stability while communicating and cooperating closely."

He continued, "I also shared with President Mattarella our vision for peaceful coexistence and joint growth on the Korean Peninsula," stating that "President Mattarella highly praised our government's commitment to dialogue and cooperation, responding that Italy will work together for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

President Lee added, "Based on the shared value of respecting international law and multilateral cooperation, the two nations will expand the horizon of cooperation on the international stage, including the United Nations."

Furthermore, President Lee announced that they plan to adopt the "2026-2030 Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" to continuously review the items of cooperation between the two countries.

President Lee concluded, "We will continue deeper communication and cooperation so that this visit can pave a new path toward mutual prosperity and create tangible changes in the daily lives of the citizens of both nations."

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Italian President Sergio Mattarella hold a summit meeting at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on the 11th (local time). / Yonhap News Agency.

                                                                                                         Hong Seon-mi