Lee Proposes Korea-Italy Joint Efforts for African Development... Launches Lee’s Europe Strategy

Interview with Italian Media

Pursuing Upgrade of Bilateral Relations

Korea and Italy to Expand Cooperation in AI and Advanced Industries

President Lee Reiterates Need for Constitutional Revision


Korea and EU Sign Digital Trade Agreement

Strengthening Security and Defense Industry Cooperation

Reaffirmation of Condemnation of Russia-North Korea Military Cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung announced that, on the occasion of his state visit to Italy, the two countries will elevate their relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership” and pursue cooperative projects to jointly address the development needs of the African continent. During this visit, President Lee plans to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on development cooperation and identify joint projects in Africa that leverage the strengths of both nations. Previously, at a summit with the European Union (EU), the parties agreed to begin negotiations for a “Classified Information Protection Agreement” and to strengthen economic cooperation by signing the Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). In addition, they adopted a joint statement strongly condemning military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

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

In an interview published on the 10th (local time) with the leading Italian daily newspaper “Corriere della Sera,” President Lee announced that, on the occasion of his state visit to Italy, the two countries will elevate their relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership” and pursue cooperative projects to jointly address the development needs of the African continent. President Lee plans to sign an MOU on development cooperation during this visit and identify joint projects in Africa that combine the strengths of both nations. At the earlier summit with the European Union (EU), the parties agreed to begin negotiations for a “Classified Information Protection Agreement” and, by signing the DTA, to strengthen economic cooperation. They also adopted a joint statement strongly condemning military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

In the interview published on the 10th (local time) with Corriere della Sera, President Lee stated, “During this visit, based on our shared recognition of Africa’s development needs, we will sign a Korea-Italy development cooperation MOU to pursue projects that can generate synergies between the two countries.” The goal is to create a third-country joint entry model by combining Korea’s industrialization experience and digital/infrastructure capabilities with Italy’s Mediterranean and African networks.

President Lee also said that Korea and Italy are preparing to upgrade their relationship to a “Special Strategic Partnership” through this visit. In particular, regarding the “Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030,” which the two countries plan to adopt, he explained, “The aim is to institutionalize cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, space, and energy transition.” The plan is to use Korea-Italy cooperation as a stepping stone to broaden Korea-EU strategic cooperation, not limiting it to bilateral ties.

As a key pillar of economic cooperation, President Lee proposed the convergence of AI and advanced manufacturing. He stated that combining Korea’s competitiveness in semiconductors, batteries, digital technology, and AI with Italy’s capabilities in machinery, aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial design could create new models for industrial cooperation. He also highlighted that Hyundai Motor’s first independent model, the “Pony,” was created by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, emphasizing that the creativity and design prowess of Italy were present at the starting point of Korea’s manufacturing industry.

Regarding foreign and security policy, President Lee reiterated that the so-called “security with the US, economy with China” formula is no longer valid. He stated, “For a long time, Korea’s foreign policy has been described as ‘security with the US, economy with China,’” but “given the changes in the international geopolitical environment, such a dichotomous approach is no longer valid.” While maintaining the alliance with the United States as a core pillar of Korea’s foreign policy, he explained that a new approach based on national interests must be developed, also taking into account the reality that China is Korea’s largest trading partner and a key player in supply chains.

President Lee also emphasized the need to strengthen independent security capabilities. He said, “Independent capability means becoming a reliable partner who is able to take direct responsibility for our own security, rather than relying solely on allies,” and that Korea is pursuing the transfer of wartime operational control and an expansion of defense investments. On North Korea policy, he asserted, “We have a clear and resolute vision to usher in an era of peaceful coexistence and joint prosperity,” and “the ultimate goal is to build a peace where there is no need to fight.”

Regarding constitutional crises such as the 12·3 Emergency Martial Law Incident, President Lee mentioned the need for constitutional revision. He pointed out that, in December 2024, the illegal declaration of emergency martial law by the then-president placed Korea in crisis and revealed the lack of mechanisms to limit the arbitrary exercise of presidential power. He reiterated the necessity of institutional measures to reflect today’s realities and prevent abuse of power, given that no constitutional amendment has taken place in the 39 years since the 1987 constitution was revised.

Korea-EU Summit: Digital Trade Agreement Signed... Joint Statement Strongly Condemns North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung is shaking hands after a joint press conference with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the EU Council headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on the 10th (local time). 2026.6.11 Yonhap News Agency

Previously, in Brussels, President Lee held a summit with António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and signed the DTA. The DTA is an agreement that covers digital trade rules such as cross-border data transfers, electronic contracts, electronic signatures, and online consumer protection. Both sides also agreed to establish a new high-level economic dialogue to oversee cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains, digital, advanced technology, energy, and innovation. This effectively expands the existing Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) into the domains of the digital economy and economic security.

In the area of security, the two sides agreed to broaden the foundation for information sharing, including launching negotiations for a classified information protection agreement. At the joint press conference, President Lee stated, “The security of the Indo-Pacific and Europe is becoming increasingly interconnected,” expressing hopes that both sides can safely exchange sensitive information and actively promote cooperation in the defense industry and research and development. The plan is to accelerate the implementation of the Korea-EU Security and Defense Partnership and strengthen cooperation in maritime security, response to cyber and hybrid threats, countering disinformation originating from abroad, space security, and defense industry collaboration.

The Korea-EU joint statement also included a strong message directed at Russia and North Korea. Both sides condemned North Korea’s support, including third-party assistance that perpetuates Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and stated, “We strongly condemn the illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.” They also urged Russia and North Korea to immediately cease their related activities and comply with the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Both sides reaffirmed their serious concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, on the 11th, President Lee is scheduled to attend an official welcoming ceremony hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, followed by a summit and a joint press conference. He will then meet separately with the speakers of the upper and lower houses, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and attend a state banquet. On the 12th, he will hold both small-group and expanded talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and attend an MOU exchange ceremony. On the same day, the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable will also be held. On the 13th, President Lee will visit Florence to discuss ways to strengthen cultural cooperation.

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