SEOUL, June 04 (AJP) - The Embassy of Italy in Seoul hosted a National Day reception on Jun. 2 at the Italian Ambassador’s Residence in Hannam-dong, bringing together around 1,500 guests, including diplomats, government officials, celebrities, and members of the public and private sectors.
The event celebrated the 79th anniversary of the Italian Republic, which was established through a nationwide referendum in 1946. This year’s gathering followed the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Italy and South Korea, with 2024 marked as the Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange between the two nations.
In a warmly received opening speech delivered in Korean, Italian Ambassador Emilia Gatto struck a personal tone, expressing her hopes to make the coming year one of deepening “people-to-people exchange.” While acknowledging that her Korean was “not perfect,” her effort to communicate in the local language moved the hearts of many in attendance and was met with heartfelt applause.
“Today marks an important celebration for Italy. Seventy-nine years ago, our nation chose the Republic through a universal referendum,” she said.
She noted that over the past year, the embassy had worked to strengthen bilateral ties through two priority initiatives: the formation of the Korea-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Association at the National Assembly, and the expansion of city diplomacy.
Highlighting new sister-city relationships, Ambassador Gatto thanked the mayors of Chuncheon and Hanam and encouraged guests to attend the upcoming “2025 Ciao Italia” festival in Chuncheon.
Touching on shared values and interests, she emphasized that Italy is a founding member of the European Union, a member of the United Nations Command, and a like-minded partner to South Korea in areas ranging from strategic cooperation and business to national safety and science and technology.
“First of all, the goal of the business sector is further growth!” she said. “Italy is no longer just ‘3Fs’ plus Ferrari. We have added the F of Future.”
Ambassador Gatto highlighted Italy’s long-standing leadership in space innovation, reminding the audience that Italy was the third country in the world to launch a satellite, after the USSR and the United States.
“The two countries share so much in common. Geomorphology, population, love of culture and beauty,” she said. “So, I like the people of both countries! I think Koreans are the Italians of Asia.”
She closed with a vision of mutual exchange. “I want to promote not only Italian wine in Korea but also Makgeoli in Italy. I want to promote not only Italian art and history in Korea but also Korean heritage in Italy. A combination of Korea and Italy. That is my dream.”
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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