Following his state visit to France, President Moon Jae-in flew to Italy to make an official visit. President Moon held a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella as the first event on his itinerary.
President Mattarella greeted President Moon at the entrance to the presidential palace. President Moon and his delegation were welcomed by a 120-member honor guard and mounted guard lining the front courtyard. While the national anthem of Korea was played, the Taegeukgi, Korea’s national flag, was raised atop the roof of the presidential palace.
After the end of the outdoor welcoming ceremony, Presidents Moon and Mattarella moved to the first floor for talks in the presidential palace’s Arazzi Hall.
Following the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1884, Korea and Italy have developed cooperative and friendly relations in politics, the economy and culture, jointly upholding such universal values as democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
With a GDP of US$1.9 trillion, Italy is the world's 9th largest economic power and ranks 1st in Southern Europe; 4th in Europe following Germany, France and the United Kingdom; and 3rd in the Euro zone following Germany and France.
Italy is also a tourism powerhouse; the entire country can be dubbed a cultural asset. The number of Korean tourists to Italy this year is about to surpass one million. In October 2016, the largest Korean Cultural Center in Europe opened in Italy. The Center periodically holds “Korean Culture Week” to introduce the nation’s culture.
During their meeting, the two Presidents discussed a wide range of topics, including cooperation on foreign affairs and national defense, promoting forward-looking substantive collaboration, recent developments on the Korean Peninsula and working together in the international arena.
President Moon explained to his counterpart in detail about the Korean Government’s efforts to denuclearize and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. President Mattarella gave high marks to President Moon’s leadership regarding a peace settlement on the Koran Peninsula.
In their luncheon meeting, President Moon asked for President Mattarella’s interest in and support for ensuring the safety of Korean tourists in Italy as well as the safety and protection of the rights and interests of the Korean community in the country.