(c) Ministry of Foreign Affairs

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-joo held the 2nd Korea-Italy Strategic Dialogue with Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, in Seoul on February 11. During the meeting, they discussed follow-up measures to recent summit diplomacy and ways to expand bilateral cooperation.

This strategic dialogue was organized to consult on follow-up actions following the official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Korea last January. Since elevating their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" in 2018, Korea and Italy have established a strategic dialogue system chaired by vice-level foreign ministers. The first meeting was held via video conference in October 2020.

The two sides evaluated that the trust and friendship between the two nations have been further solidified through recent summit diplomacy, including the summit held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to Korea. They agreed to consult closely to faithfully implement the agreements reached between the leaders, ensuring they lead to concrete and future-oriented outcomes that practically benefit the lives of the people in both countries.

In the economic sector, both parties agreed to revitalize the Korea-Italy Business Forum and explore possibilities for expanding cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and micro-business owners. To expand trade and investment, they also committed to working together to create a stable and favorable environment for business activities.

Cooperation in high-tech industries and science and technology was also a major agenda item. The vice ministers agreed to deepen collaboration in cutting-edge sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and the defense industry. Furthermore, they decided to actively seek specific ways to cooperate in addressing global challenges, including the diversification of critical mineral supply chains.

Both sides shared the need to expand cultural and human exchanges. Noting that approximately one million Koreans visit Italy annually and that an increasing number of Italian citizens are visiting Korea due to the influence of K-culture, they agreed to further promote mutual understanding and friendship through exchanges in various fields, including tourism, cultural heritage, and popular culture.

In addition, the two sides exchanged wide-ranging views on regional situations, including the Korean Peninsula and Ukraine, and agreed to strengthen strategic communication. When Vice Minister Park explained Korea's commitment to maintaining the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pursuing peace through dialogue and diplomacy, Undersecretary Tripodi expressed her empathy and support.

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