Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik emphasized 'sales diplomacy' during his first overseas trip, supporting domestic companies' international ventures. Cho visited the Vatican, Italy, Croatia, and Greece, focusing on enhancing 'parliamentary diplomacy'.
According to political sources on the 15th, Cho plans to establish a framework for parliamentary diplomacy following this trip. His goal is to ensure that various diplomatic channels, including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and heads of friendship associations, are interconnected and function cohesively. Before returning home, Cho stated in a domestic media interview, "This trip reaffirmed the strong interest and expectations for our country," highlighting the importance of building trust between nations through high-level exchanges, sales diplomacy, and support for the expatriate community.
One of the most notable aspects of Cho's nine-day itinerary was his meetings in Croatia on the 9th, where he consecutively met with Speaker Gordan Jandroković, President Zoran Milanović, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. During his meeting with Jandroković, the two agreed to actively support cooperation in three key areas: economy and infrastructure, defense and arms, and cultural and human exchanges. They also recognized the need for modernization cooperation in air and naval forces following the export of the multiple launch rocket system 'Chunmoo' to Croatia.
On the 12th, during his visit to Greece, discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in shipbuilding and shipping, as well as expanding collaboration in future industries. Cho emphasized to Greek Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis that expanding cooperation from shipbuilding and shipping to advanced technology and defense industries would significantly contribute to the two countries' alliance. In a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tassoulas, he expressed gratitude for the resolution of delays in residency permit renewals for Korean staff in Greece.
The following day, Cho hosted a luncheon for Greek lawmakers and Korean business leaders to discuss economic cooperation. He introduced 'ABCDEF' (Artificial Intelligence, Bio, Culture, Defense, Energy, Manufacturing) as South Korea's core economic policy, expressing hope for close collaboration not only in future advanced industries but also across the shipbuilding and defense sectors.
Additionally, in Italy, Cho met with Deputy Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio and House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana to promote practical cooperation in future advanced industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, and defense.
Cho also discussed cooperation regarding the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul next year with Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Clergy, and Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican. After receiving a request from Cardinal Yeom to elevate the status of the WYD organizing committee chair, Cho plans to suggest that the government appoint someone at the level of the Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination or a Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
According to political sources on the 15th, Cho plans to establish a framework for parliamentary diplomacy following this trip. His goal is to ensure that various diplomatic channels, including the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and heads of friendship associations, are interconnected and function cohesively. Before returning home, Cho stated in a domestic media interview, "This trip reaffirmed the strong interest and expectations for our country," highlighting the importance of building trust between nations through high-level exchanges, sales diplomacy, and support for the expatriate community.
One of the most notable aspects of Cho's nine-day itinerary was his meetings in Croatia on the 9th, where he consecutively met with Speaker Gordan Jandroković, President Zoran Milanović, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. During his meeting with Jandroković, the two agreed to actively support cooperation in three key areas: economy and infrastructure, defense and arms, and cultural and human exchanges. They also recognized the need for modernization cooperation in air and naval forces following the export of the multiple launch rocket system 'Chunmoo' to Croatia.
On the 12th, during his visit to Greece, discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in shipbuilding and shipping, as well as expanding collaboration in future industries. Cho emphasized to Greek Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis that expanding cooperation from shipbuilding and shipping to advanced technology and defense industries would significantly contribute to the two countries' alliance. In a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tassoulas, he expressed gratitude for the resolution of delays in residency permit renewals for Korean staff in Greece.
The following day, Cho hosted a luncheon for Greek lawmakers and Korean business leaders to discuss economic cooperation. He introduced 'ABCDEF' (Artificial Intelligence, Bio, Culture, Defense, Energy, Manufacturing) as South Korea's core economic policy, expressing hope for close collaboration not only in future advanced industries but also across the shipbuilding and defense sectors.
Additionally, in Italy, Cho met with Deputy Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio and House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana to promote practical cooperation in future advanced industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, and defense.
Cho also discussed cooperation regarding the upcoming World Youth Day (WYD) in Seoul next year with Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Clergy, and Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican. After receiving a request from Cardinal Yeom to elevate the status of the WYD organizing committee chair, Cho plans to suggest that the government appoint someone at the level of the Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination or a Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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