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President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Italy, speaks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Lee Jae-yong during a state banquet at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on the 11th (local time). / Yonhap News Agency.

President Lee Jae-myung highlighted expanding bilateral cooperation during a state dinner in Italy on the 11th, highly assessing the elevation of South Korea-Italy relations to a "Special Strategic Partnership."

President Lee attended the state dinner hosted by President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace that evening and delivered a dinner speech.

Greeting the attendees in Italian with "Buona sera" (Good evening), President Lee stated, "It is deeply meaningful to visit during this special year marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic." He added, "I am very pleased that our two nations have upgraded their relations to a Special Strategic Partnership today."

President Lee also referenced President Mattarella's New Year's address from last year. He shared President Mattarella’s words, noting that "peace is not given automatically, but is the result of courageous choices and actions."

He emphasized, "South Korea and Italy, having both achieved development after overcoming the scars of war, understand the value of peace and cooperation better than anyone else." He further expressed, "Based on our shared values and perceptions, I look forward to our two nations moving forward even more closely for the peace and prosperity of the international community."

President Lee expressed gratitude for the preparation of the dinner as well. "I propose a toast to the eternal friendship and prosperity of the Republic of Korea and Italy, and for the health and happiness of President Mattarella and the First Lady," he said.

He concluded his speech with a toast in Italian, saying "Alla nostra amicizia" (To our friendship).

Meanwhile, President Lee was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic on this day. This order is bestowed upon citizens who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of the nation or to foreign heads of state. This marks the first time President Lee has received a decoration from a foreign government.

A large number of business leaders also attended the state dinner. Prominent figures included Ryu Jin, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, LS Chairman Koo Ja-eun, Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, Samyang Rounds Square Chairman Kim Jung-soo, and Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim.

                                                                                                        Park Young-hoon