President Lee Visits Florence, "Birthplace of the Renaissance"... Calls for Cultural and Local Government Cooperation

Discussing the Expansion of Cultural and Local Government Cooperation During Florence Visit
"Expecting Synergy in Film Production Capabilities Through the Korea-Italy Co-production Agreement"
Tuscany Governor: "Deeply Moved by the Autobiography"

On June 13 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung visited Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region in central Italy, where he met with Eugenio Giani, Governor of Tuscany, to discuss ways to expand cultural and local government cooperation between Korea and Tuscany. President Lee also requested special attention to ensure the convenience and safety of Korean citizens visiting Florence.

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Italy, attended the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of museum programs and services between Yoo Hong-jun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, and Simone Verde, Director of the Uffizi Gallery, held at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence on the 13th (local time). 2026.6.14 Yonhap News
Photo by Yonhap News

According to a written briefing by Kang Yoo-jung, Chief Presidential Spokesperson, President Lee held talks with Governor Giani on the same day, discussing the development of exchanges between Tuscany and Korea. He also asked for special consideration regarding the convenience and safety of Korean nationals and overseas Koreans visiting Tuscany.

President Lee’s visit to Florence was arranged as part of the tradition of state visits to regional cities by the Italian government. When Italian President Sergio Mattarella visited Korea as a state guest in 2023, he expressed his respect for Korean culture by visiting Panmunjom and Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon.

President Lee chose Florence as his regional destination because it is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery. Florence is considered one of the most popular regional cities among Korean visitors to Italy. Notably, Florence has hosted the Florence Korean Film Festival annually since 2003, even before the global spread of the Korean Wave, introducing the artistry and quality of Korean films to European audiences. During the meeting, President Lee remarked, "Tuscany, the birthplace and evolving ground of the Renaissance and home to the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery, has showcased the artistry and excellence of Korean cinema on the European and global stage through the Florence Korean Film Festival since 2003."

President Lee mentioned the Korea-Italy Co-production Film Agreement, which was concluded on the occasion of this visit, and expressed his hope that even more joint film projects would be produced based on the outstanding production capabilities of both countries. He also called for continued interest and support so that the Florence Korean Film Festival, now in its 24th year, can be firmly established as a leading international cultural festival representing Tuscany.

The meeting also covered Florence's socioeconomic model and tourism management strategies. President Lee inquired about how cooperatives and the social solidarity economy operate in Florence, and asked questions regarding the annual number of visitors and the city’s tourism management methods.

Sarah Funaro, Mayor of Florence, who was also present, discussed ways to expand exchanges between local governments of both countries. President Lee noted that Florence maintains friendly cooperative relations with Jeonju and Daejeon in Korea, and especially mentioned that next year marks the 20th anniversary of friendship with Jeonju. He said, "I hope the local governments of both countries will nurture mutually beneficial cooperation through active exchange."

Governor Giani said he was deeply moved by President Lee's autobiography, highlighting his journey from a child laborer to a human rights lawyer despite difficult circumstances. He also expressed his expectation that President Lee would play a major role in advancing democracy not only in Korea but also in the international community. In response, President Lee said, "I believe it is all thanks to the power of democracy."

President Lee pointed out that among the one million Korean nationals who visit Italy annually, a large number travel to Tuscany. He requested that the Tuscany regional government and the Florence city government pay special attention to enhancing convenience and ensuring public safety for Korean visitors. Mayor Funaro replied that she is pleased so many Koreans visit Florence, and expressed hope that President Lee's visit would further invigorate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The Office of the President evaluated the Florence visit as "not only a demonstration of the highest respect for Italy's celebrated Renaissance cultural heritage, but also a step toward further developing bilateral relations at the local government level, by laying the foundation for multidimensional cooperation through discussions to promote exchanges and collaboration with Korea."

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