First Korea-Italy Strategic Dialogue... Discussions on Post-COVID and Climate Change Cooperation

First Since Elevating Bilateral Relations to 'Strategic Partnership'
Government Strengthens Communication and Cooperation with Major European Countries

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 30th, Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister, held the first Korea-Italy Strategic Dialogue via video conference with Manlio Di Stefano, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, and had in-depth discussions on responses to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and post-COVID-19 cooperation, practical cooperation in economy, science and technology, and culture, global issues such as climate change and environment, major regional situations including the Korean Peninsula, and cooperation on the international stage.

This strategic dialogue was held for the first time as a follow-up to the Korea-Italy summit in October 2018. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened close communication and strategic cooperation with major European countries such as Germany (August), the United Kingdom (September), and Italy, which are the EU Presidency (Germany) and next year’s G7 and G20 presidencies (UK and Italy), through ministerial-level strategic dialogues with Germany and the UK as well as deputy minister-level strategic dialogue with Italy, even amid the COVID-19 situation.

Both vice ministers evaluated that since President Moon Jae-in’s visit to Italy in 2018, the two countries established a strategic partnership, laying the groundwork for a leap forward in relations, and agreed to further promote active high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields going forward.

Both vice ministers shared the view on the necessity of international efforts to ensure universal and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. Meanwhile, Vice Minister Choi requested Italy to actively consider joining the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), which is headquartered in Korea.

In addition, Vice Minister Choi welcomed Italy’s assumption of the G20 presidency in 2021 and expressed hope for Italy’s active participation in the P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) Summit. Furthermore, Vice Minister Choi explained the Korean government’s will and efforts toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a permanent peace policy. In response, Deputy Minister Di Stefano stated that Italy would closely communicate and cooperate with Korea during its G20 presidency.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Choi requested the Italian government to pay special attention to the safety of Korean nationals residing in or visiting Italy, despite the restrictions on human exchanges between the two countries due to COVID-19. Deputy Minister Di Stefano responded that he would take an interest in the safety of Koreans.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.