'European Tour' President Lee Arrives in Rome After Brussels... Korea-Italy Summit

Two Fighter Jets Escort Air Force One
Fulfilling State Visit Itinerary
Attending Korea-Italy Business Roundtable

President Jaemyung Lee arrived in Rome, Italy, the second stop on his European tour, on June 10 (local time), and will continue his summit diplomacy schedule. At Rome Fiumicino International Airport, 32 members of the Italian Army, Navy, and Air Force welcomed President Lee in front of Air Force One. As Air Force One entered Italian airspace, two Eurofighter jets belonging to the Italian Air Force escorted the plane as a mark of respect.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who are on a state visit to Italy, are seen disembarking from Air Force One at Rome Fiumicino International Airport on the 10th (local time) and moving. 2026.6.11 Yonhap News Agency

In Rome, President Lee will carry out his state visit itinerary at the invitation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Starting with the official welcome ceremony on the morning of the 11th, the schedule includes a summit meeting and joint press announcement with President Mattarella, as well as a state banquet. Meetings with the presidents of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are also planned.

Economic diplomacy is at the core of the Italy schedule. President Lee will attend the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable in Rome to discuss cooperation in advanced industries with business leaders from both countries. Key areas of cooperation include semiconductors, aerospace, energy, biotechnology, basic sciences, space, and defense. The presidential office explained that, on this occasion, the two countries will adopt the “Korea-Italy Strategic Action Plan for 2026-2030.” With Italy being a major country in the EU, G7, and G20, and possessing both high-value manufacturing and cultural soft power, the government intends to elevate bilateral relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

On the 10th (local time), Air Force One carrying President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-gyeong, who are on a state visit to Italy, is being escorted by an Italian Air Force fighter jet. June 11, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

Cultural diplomacy will also be pursued in parallel. On the 12th, President Lee will visit Florence under special state guest protocol from the Italian government, and will meet with the Governor of Tuscany and the Mayor of Florence to discuss ways to expand bilateral cultural cooperation. According to the presidential office, the goal is to further promote the spread of K-culture across Europe, and to explore measures to enhance the convenience of over 1 million Korean visitors annually, as well as local Koreans and Korean enterprises operating in Italy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.