Italy's Meloni and South Korea's Lee agree to deepen ties in Rome talks - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Italy's Meloni and South Korea's Lee agree to deepen ties in Rome talks

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 12, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 12, 2026

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Italy and South Korea Strengthen Ties with Strategic Finance and Tech MOUs

Key Agreements and Discussions Between Italy and South Korea

Bilateral Cooperation and Memorandums of Understanding

ROME, June 12 (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday pledged to deepen bilateral ties, signing memorandums spanning technology and development cooperation.

Focus Areas: Technology and High-Tech Sectors

• The leaders discussed closer cooperation in semiconductors and high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, space, automotive and energy.

Support for SMEs and Social Economy

• MOUs also covered small and medium-sized enterprises and cooperation in the social economy.

Strategic Action Plan and International Collaboration

U.N. Security Council Reform

• The countries signed a strategic action plan that included an aspiration to reform the U.N. Security Council to make it more representative and effective.

Commitment to Regional and Global Stability

• The leaders also discussed international issues, reaffirming their commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Business Engagements and Economic Partnerships

Meetings with Industry Leaders

• Meloni and Lee are due to meet business leaders later on Friday, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna.($1 = 0.8648 euros)

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Angelo Amante in Rome and Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by Alison Williams)

Key Takeaways

  • They signed MOUs covering semiconductors, AI, space, automotive, energy, SMEs and social economy.
  • They committed to a strategic action plan including reforming the UN Security Council and supporting Indo‑Pacific security and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Their meetings will extend to a business roundtable including leaders from Samsung Electronics, Fincantieri and Ferrari, reinforcing tech and industrial collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What agreements were signed between Italy and South Korea?
Italy and South Korea signed memorandums of understanding covering technology, development cooperation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Which high-tech sectors are Italy and South Korea focusing on?
The countries are enhancing cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, automotive, and energy sectors.
What was discussed regarding international security?
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Who are the major business leaders meeting Meloni and Lee?
Business leaders including Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Fincantieri Chairman Biagio Mazzotta, and Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna are scheduled to meet them.
Did the countries discuss United Nations reforms?
Yes, the strategic action plan included aspirations to reform the U.N. Security Council to improve its representation and effectiveness.

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