Korea, Italy sign MOUs to enhance advanced technology cooperation, explore joint projects in Africa
Seoul and Rome signed agreements on advanced and science technology, including AI, and joint development projects in Africa during President Lee Jae Myung's state visit.
President Lee Jae Myung, right, shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on June 12 ahead of their talks.
YONHAP
Korea and Italy signed four agreements on Friday to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchanges, including in advanced science and technology, and explore joint projects in Africa, the presidential office said.
The memorandums of understanding were signed during President Lee Jae Myung's ongoing state visit to Italy as part of his broader trip to Europe, aimed at expanding Korea's outreach in the region.
During Lee's summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation into semiconductors, AI and other strategic areas.
Under an MOU on technology, both sides pledged to promote cooperation in advanced and science technology, including AI, quantum technology, bioscience, space technology and other strategic sectors.
The two sides agreed to monitor the process of the pledged cooperation through a joint science and technology committee, which the presidential office said was aimed at making the technology sector a new pillar of cooperation under the newly established strategic partnership.
Under another MOU, the two countries will seek joint development cooperation projects in Africa in mutually beneficial areas, such as coffee plantations, agriculture and digital education.
Lee's office said that Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt and Ivory Coast were being cited as prospective host countries for the envisioned projects.
Another MOU calls for dialogue and exchanges between Seoul and Rome on policies related to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Additionally, Lee and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed to launch a bilateral strategic action plan effective through 2030 to monitor the process of projects under the countries' elevated partnership.
Yonhap
