Italy and South Korea agree in Rome on greater cooperation in semiconductors and technology

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership, aiming to boost industrial cooperation in high technology and the semiconductor sector. The agreement, reached in Rome, includes a '2026-2030 Action Plan' designed to intensify collaboration across political, economic, scientific-technological, cultural, and security domains.

The leaders specifically focused on deepening ties in the semiconductor industry and advanced technologies, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, automotive, and energy sectors. Following their meeting, delegations signed four agreements covering development cooperation, advanced science and technology, information and communication technologies (ICT), the social and solidarity economy, and support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

The strategic plan for the next five years outlines advancing industrial cooperation in cutting-edge technologies and establishing a Joint Coordination Committee for semiconductors, critical raw materials, and automotive manufacturing. In scientific and innovation fields, the countries agreed to implement the 'XIV Executive Program on scientific and technological cooperation for 2026-2028,' which includes joint projects in priority areas such as environmental sciences, energy transition, physics, quantum science, and the application of AI in medicine and biotechnology.

Both nations also committed to cooperating on harmonizing ethical principles for AI development and promoting innovative, energy-efficient solutions for data centers. Additionally, Meloni and Lee agreed to explore synergies between Italy's 'Mattei Plan' for Africa and South Korea's international cooperation programs in the continent, enabling their private sectors to pursue joint opportunities in third markets. On a strategic level, they pledged to increase cooperation in culture, education, and defense, including fostering partnerships between their respective military industries.

Finally, Meloni and Lee reaffirmed their shared commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and their intention to contribute to efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.