President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to Italy, said Wednesday, "I look forward to the two countries moving forward more closely for the peace and prosperity of the international community, based on our shared values and understanding."
Lee made the remarks at a state banquet held at Italy's presidential palace, saying, "Korea and Italy, which achieved development by overcoming the scars of war, know better than anyone the value of peace and cooperation."
Offering an Italian greeting of "Buona sera" (Good evening), Lee said, "It is very meaningful to visit here in this special year marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic."
In particular, he repeatedly stressed the importance of efforts for peace, noting, "In his New Year's address last year, President Mattarella said that 'peace is not given automatically, but is the result of courageous choices and actions.'" Lee also reflected, "The friendship between our two countries has developed steadily over 142 years since establishing diplomatic relations in 1884," adding, "Trade between the two countries continues to expand, and we are broadening the scope of cooperation in future industries as well." He then expressed expectations for exchange and cooperation between the two countries, saying, "People-to-people exchanges are also active, based on mutual interest in culture and the arts."
Lee concluded his banquet address with a toast, "Alla nostra amicizia" (To our friendship).
Meanwhile, the state banquet was attended by a large number of business figures, including Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin, Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee, LS Chairman Koo Cha-eun, Hyosung Chairman Cho Hyun-joon, Samyang Foods Chairman Kim Jung-soo, and Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim.
Presidential Senior Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said at a briefing at the press center in Rome, Italy, "Italy invited not only our government officials but also business figures, providing an opportunity for this visit to lead to strengthened economic cooperation between the two countries." She added, "These business leaders will also attend the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable to be held on the 12th to discuss concrete cooperation measures."
In addition to business figures, the banquet also invited cultural and artistic figures, including Chung Myung-whun, music director of Milan's La Scala opera house, Mauro Porcini, Samsung Electronics' Chief Design Officer (CDO), and fashion influencer "Milanonna."
The practice of accompanying business figures to a state banquet hosted by a foreign leader was also carried out during the state visit to India in April. Observers say that Lee's pragmatic diplomacy stance—aimed at producing tangible cooperation results in the economic and industrial sectors rather than stopping at summit-level diplomacy—is continuing during this visit to Italy.
Kang added, "We hope that cooperation and friendship between the two countries will spread to various fields, including not only the economy but also culture and the arts."
