Italy has accorded the South Korean leader the highest honors during his first state visit in 26 years, elevating the bilateral relationship to a "special strategic partnership."
On June 14, President Yoon shared his reflections on the "power of high culture" through a post on X (formerly Twitter) from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the capital of Tuscany.
He stated, "The strength of Florence as a leading international trade and finance city, as well as a hub for advanced industries, comes from the cultural power that has captivated humanity. Culture and art are the most powerful forces that connect hearts and foster understanding across time and borders."
This visit marks President Yoon's first trip to Europe since taking office and is in line with Italy's tradition of hosting state visits outside the capital. During his visit to South Korea in 2023, Italian President Sergio Mattarella visited the Demilitarized Zone and Haeinsa Temple in Gyeongnam. Former President Kim Dae-jung also visited Milan during his state visit to Italy in March 2000.
Later that day, President Yoon attended a special mass for peace and solidarity at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where he delivered a commemorative speech. He expressed South Korea's commitment to peace and solidarity amid rapidly changing international circumstances and sought the Vatican's support for these efforts.
On June 13, President Yoon and officials from the National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Gallery discussed mutual cooperation, including the exchange of exhibits. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in areas such as exhibitions, educational programs, collection management, and restoration.
The Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, is renowned for its collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" and Leonardo da Vinci's "The Annunciation."
Earlier, President Yoon met with Eugenio Giani, the governor of Tuscany, and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and convenience of South Koreans living abroad.
He praised Tuscany as the birthplace and development center of the Renaissance, noting that the Florence Korean Film Festival has showcased the artistry and quality of Korean cinema to European and global audiences since 2003.
President Yoon expressed hope that the recently concluded "Korea-Italy Film Co-Production Agreement" would lead to more collaborative projects based on the two countries' strong production capabilities.
He also called for continued support and interest to establish the Florence Korean Film Festival as a prominent international cultural event, now in its 24th year.
On June 12, President Yoon held a summit in Rome, where the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, including AI, quantum technology, and space technology. This partnership is a new pillar of the elevated Korea-Italy relationship as a "special strategic partnership." The two nations signed four MOUs, including one for joint development in Africa, and adopted a "Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan" document.
The summit included a welcome ceremony, a small group meeting, a luncheon, and the exchange of MOUs at the official residence of the Italian Prime Minister. This marks the third official meeting between President Yoon and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following their discussions at the UN General Assembly in September and Meloni's visit to South Korea in January.
On that day, the two countries signed an MOU for development cooperation in Africa, focusing on agricultural and rural development, as well as digital education and training projects in Egypt, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Côte d'Ivoire.
The Blue House stated, "This lays the groundwork for contributing to the realization of a mutually beneficial partnership envisioned by Italy's key foreign strategy toward Africa, the 'Mattei Plan,' and for creating joint development outcomes in the region."
The Mattei Plan is Italy's initiative to establish Africa as a new energy supply hub for Europe through development and energy cooperation.
President Yoon also attended a "Korea-Italy Business Roundtable" held during a dinner event, which included prominent figures such as Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association, Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS Group, Cho Hyun-joon, chairman of Hyosung Group, and Choi Soo-young, CEO of Naver. In his keynote address, President Yoon emphasized the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries amid increasing uncertainties in the international order due to the AI revolution and supply chain restructuring.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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