South Korea and Italy Forge Strategic Partnership in AI, Semiconductors and Advanced Industries

South Korea and Italy took a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties on Monday as President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Seoul and agreed to expand cooperation across several high-tech and strategic sectors — most notably artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. The landmark summit signals a mutual commitment to bolstering economic, technological and research links between the two nations, and reflects broader global dynamics as countries race to secure leadership in future technologies.

The meeting also marked a rare and symbolic milestone: Meloni became the first Italian prime minister to visit South Korea in 19 years, underscoring renewed momentum in diplomatic engagement and shared strategic goals. Italy is one of South Korea’s four largest trading partners in the European Union, and both governments described the summit as an opportunity to lift their partnership to a new level in innovation, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical cooperation.

Broad Agenda, Deepening Ties

The core focus of the discussions was an agreement to deepen cooperation in several priority areas, starting with AI, semiconductors, aerospace and critical minerals. Leaders from both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at formalising industrial cooperation, especially in the semiconductor industry — a sector where South Korea’s global leadership and Italy’s scientific expertise could bring significant synergy.

Semiconductors form the backbone of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones and vehicles to the advanced computing systems used in AI and autonomous systems. South Korea is home to some of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, while Italy, though smaller in chip production, brings strong research capabilities and strategic positioning within the European market. The cooperation MOU sets a framework for private-sector partnerships, data sharing, and collaborative development efforts that could enhance both countries’ competitiveness in semiconductor innovation.

In addition to chips and AI, the two leaders highlighted collaboration on critical mineral supply chains, which are essential for advanced manufacturing and technology production. Securing reliable access to minerals like cobalt, lithium and rare earth elements has become a priority for industrial economies as demand surges for electric vehicles, batteries, and high-performance computing components. Italy and South Korea emphasized joint efforts to build more resilient and reliable supply chains, reducing vulnerability to disruptions and geopolitical pressure.

AI and Emerging Technologies as Growth Engines

Artificial intelligence was a central thread in the discussions. Both governments agreed that AI represents a strategic frontier with implications far beyond pure commercial competition: it is a driver of economic growth, national competitiveness, and technological sovereignty. Cooperative AI projects could encompass areas such as research exchanges, innovation labs, and joint development programmes leveraging each country’s strengths.

For South Korea, which has made AI a cornerstone of its national innovation strategy, collaboration with Italy — known for strong scientific institutions, engineering expertise, and creative industries — presents an opportunity to diversify technology partnerships beyond traditional US and Asian markets. For Italy, the cooperation means access to advanced manufacturing expertise and deeper integration into Asia’s tech ecosystem.

The bilateral agenda also includes aerospace and defence industries, highlighting a shared interest in advancing high-technology manufacturing capabilities. These sectors are not only economically significant but are increasingly linked with national security priorities and international partnerships.

People-to-People and Cultural Exchange

The two leaders also talked about deepening ties in cultural exchange, tourism, and academic collaboration, recognising that strong people-to-people connections support long-term diplomatic and economic relationships. With increasing global interest in Korean culture — from K-pop to film — and existing robust interest in Italian art, design, and heritage, expanding cultural cooperation can create broader societal linkages that reinforce the strategic relationship.

Prime Minister Meloni noted the importance of fostering easier travel and exchange opportunities, citing the popularity of Korean culture among Italians. Italy’s invitation for President Lee to visit later in the year reflects a shared desire to maintain momentum in both formal and informal diplomatic channels.

Geopolitical Dimensions

The summit also included discussions on international security, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to regional peace and denuclearisation efforts on the Korean Peninsula. While the immediate focus of the cooperation agreement was on technology and industrial development, geopolitical considerations were never far from the surface. In today’s environment, technological leadership is often intertwined with national security, economic resilience, and global influence.

This broader strategic alignment comes at a time when many countries are recalibrating their foreign policy and technology cooperation in response to shifting geopolitical landscapes, particularly in East Asia and Europe. Partnerships like the one between South Korea and Italy are part of a larger trend toward multilateral technology alliances that aim to promote shared standards, reduce dependency on single suppliers, and build robust innovation ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

The agreement between Lee and Meloni sets the stage for deeper cooperation that could have long-lasting economic and strategic impacts. By aligning their ambitions in AI, semiconductors, aerospace, critical minerals, and research exchange, South Korea and Italy are signalling a new chapter in bilateral relations — one built on technological collaboration and shared global outlooks.

As both countries continue to navigate the complexities of global competition in technology and trade, this partnership may offer a model for how mid-sized economic powers can collaborate to address common challenges, innovate together, and create mutual prosperity.