The leaders of South Korea and Italy strengthened cooperation in industry, space, and advanced technology.

At the Korea-Italy Summit held at the Blue House in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 8th, President Yoon Seok-yeol discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the fields of industry, space, and advanced technology with President Sergio Mattarella, who was on a state visit to Korea.

After the summit, Korea and Italy signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on industrial cooperation, space cooperation, and research cooperation in the physical sciences, and issued a joint press release to emphasize their commitment to promoting cooperation between the two countries.

They also agreed to exchange views on international and regional issues and expand future-oriented cooperation as the two countries mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

Following this, an official state visit banquet was held at the Blue House Guest House with key figures from both countries in attendance.

The event was attended by People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader Yoon Jae-ok, Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Bang Moon-kyu, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, National Security Office Director Cho Tae-yong, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo, Senior Secretary for Public Relations Kim Eun-hye, Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs Choi Sang-mok, and Ambassador to Italy Lee Sung-ho.

In the business world, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee of Samsung Electronics, Chairman Koo Ja-kyul of the Korea International Trade Association, and President Chang Jae-hoon of Hyundai Motor Company attended the event, while from Italy, President Mattarella's daughter, Laura Mattarella, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmondo Chirielli, and business leaders attended.

Marco Cassis, President of the Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group at STMicroelectronics (ST), which was selected as the Italian company to attend, attended the state banquet.

Marco Cassis, President, also oversees ST's Strategy, Systems Research and Applications, and Innovation Office. A leading integrated device manufacturer (IDM), ST is headquartered in Switzerland and operates major operations in Italy and France, making it a leading European company operating globally.

With both countries possessing outstanding manufacturing capabilities and expertise, this joint announcement raises expectations for further growth in the technology sector for both countries.

Furthermore, the commitment to strengthening mutual cooperation in the AI, hydrogen, and space sectors aligns with the vision of technology companies, and the signing of the industrial cooperation MOU is expected to serve as a pivotal foundation for cooperation in next-generation semiconductor technology.