South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Rome for a state visit and a bilateral summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella [1].
This visit marks the first state trip to Italy for President Lee since taking office. The meeting serves as a key diplomatic step to deepen cooperation between the two nations while Lee conducts a broader European tour to attend the G7 summit [2].
President Lee arrived at Rome Leonardo da Vinci International Airport on the night of June 10, 2024 [2]. He was accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and a formal delegation. Upon entering Italian airspace after departing Belgium, the South Korean presidential aircraft was escorted by Italian Air Force Eurofighter jets [1].
The bilateral summit between President Lee and President Mattarella took place on June 11, 2024 [1]. The leaders focused on strengthening diplomatic ties and expanding mutual cooperation across various sectors. The visit is the second stop on the president's current tour of Europe [1].
According to a report by YTN News, the visit was designated as a state visit, the highest level of diplomatic reception. The arrival and subsequent summit are intended to solidify the strategic partnership between Seoul and Rome [1].
President Lee's itinerary includes high-level discussions on global governance and regional security, aligning with the objectives of the G7 summit. The coordination between the two presidents reflects a shared interest in maintaining stable international relations, and economic exchange [2].
“President Lee is on a European tour to attend the G7 summit”
This state visit signals South Korea's intent to diversify its diplomatic partnerships within Europe. By leveraging the G7 summit as a catalyst for bilateral meetings, President Lee is positioning South Korea as a more integrated player in European security and economic discussions, specifically strengthening ties with Italy to ensure broader multilateral support.
