South Korea, Italy agree to boost AI, space and defence ties

The meeting marked the first visit by an Italian leader to South Korea in nearly two decades. Speaking after the talks, President Lee said both countries would broaden cooperation in advanced sectors, including AI, space and aviation, while pursuing complementary partnerships in the defence industry, drawing on each country’s strengths.

Defence and global security

South Korea has become a major global arms exporter in recent years, supplying defence equipment to several Central and Eastern European countries. Lee noted that cooperation with Italy would build on this growing industrial capacity.

Meloni said the war in Ukraine posed a serious threat to European security, underlining the need for expanded international cooperation. She described South Korea as one of the G7’s most important partners and said Rome would continue to pursue new forms of collaboration at the global level.

Shared commitment

Lee reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to working closely with Italy to contribute to global peace and uphold universal values, emphasising the importance of extending cooperation beyond bilateral interests.