(ATTN: UPDATES with extra data in final para)
ROME, June 12 (Yonhap) — South Korea and Italy signed 4 agreements Friday to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges, together with in advanced science and know-how, and explore joint projects in Africa, the presidential workplace stated.
The memorandums of understanding (MOUs) had been signed throughout President Lee Jae Myung’s ongoing state go to to Italy as a part of his broader journey to Europe, aimed toward increasing South Korea’s outreach in the area.
During Lee’s summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the 2 leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a particular strategic partnership and explore methods to develop cooperation into semiconductors, synthetic intelligence (AI) and different strategic areas.
Under an MOU on know-how, each side pledged to promote cooperation in advanced and science know-how, together with AI, quantum know-how, bioscience, area know-how and different strategic sectors.
The two sides agreed to monitor the method of the pledged cooperation by a joint science and know-how committee, which the presidential workplace stated was aimed toward making the know-how sector a brand new pillar of cooperation below the newly established strategic partnership.
Under one other MOU, the 2 international locations will search joint growth cooperation projects in Africa in mutually useful areas, reminiscent of espresso plantations, agriculture or digital schooling.
Lee’s workplace stated Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire had been being cited as potential host international locations for the envisioned projects.
Another MOU requires dialogue and exchanges between Seoul and Rome on insurance policies associated to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Additionally, Lee and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed to launch a bilateral strategic motion plan efficient by 2030, aimed toward monitoring the method of joint projects below the international locations’ elevated partnership.
President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes fingers with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on June 12, 2026, forward of their talks. (Yonhap)
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