Speaker Cho Jeong-sik Embarks on First Official European Tour to Strengthen Parliamentary Diplomacy and Expand Economic Cooperation

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik will embark on an official visit to Italy, the Vatican, Croatia, and Greece from October 6 to October 14, for a total of 7 nights and 9 days. This marks Speaker Cho's first official tour of Europe since taking office. During his trip, he will meet with parliamentary leaders of each nation to discuss ways to expand substantive cooperation in key areas such as the economy, industry, defense, and eco-friendly energy.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Photo by Yonhap News

In Italy, Speaker Cho will meet with Lorenzo Fontana, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and Gianmarco Centinaio, Deputy Speaker of the Senate. They will discuss ways to enhance parliamentary exchanges and strengthen economic and industrial cooperation between the two countries. Speaker Cho will also seek to expand cooperation in infrastructure, digital transformation, and renewable energy, as well as support for Korean companies to enter the local market.

In the Vatican, Speaker Cho is scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik. He will convey the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting the successful hosting of the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul. In addition, he will ask for the Vatican's continued interest in and support for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, as well as for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.

In Croatia, Speaker Cho will meet with President Zoran Milanović, Speaker of Parliament Gordan Jandroković, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. They will discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in manufacturing and advanced industries. The agenda will also include strengthening collaboration in energy—such as small modular reactors (SMRs)—defense, and invigorating people-to-people exchanges in areas such as culture and tourism.

In Greece, Speaker Cho will meet President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis to discuss strategies for advancing bilateral relations in celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. He will also seek to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, maritime transport, and defense, as well as eco-friendly energy sectors including electric vehicles, batteries, solar, and wind power.

Accompanying Speaker Cho on this trip are Assembly members Han Jeong-ae and Hwang Hee from the Democratic Party of Korea, and Choi Hyeongdu and Kang Minkook from the People Power Party.

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