Key facts
- South Korea and Italy have agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership.
- The partnership will focus on cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense.
- President Lee Jae Myung will receive Italy's highest state decoration, the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
- President Lee Jae Myung stated South Korea's reliance on the U.S. for defense is outdated.
South Korea and Italy have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a special strategic partnership, signaling a deepening of cooperation between the two nations. The agreement, reached during a summit in Rome, will focus on collaboration in critical sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and defense.
As part of the strengthened ties, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to receive Italy's highest state decoration, the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, from Italian President Sergio Mattarella. This honor recognizes President Lee's contributions to enhancing friendship between the two countries.