# Lee says S. Korea, Italy are 'optimal partners' for business cooperation > Source: > Published: 2026-06-12 18:57:03+00:00 ROME — President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that South Korea and Italy are optimal partners for business cooperation and that the countries could build a "new industrial order" by working together. Lee made the remarks in his opening remarks at a business roundtable in Rome, held to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation between South Korea and Italy. During his summit with Italian President Sergio Mattarella a day earlier, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership and explore ways to expand cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI) and other strategic areas. "With Italy being a powerhouse in basic science with creative engineering and design capabilities, while South Korea is a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing with innovative technological capabilities, the two countries are optimal partners," Lee said. Amid a rapidly changing global economy driven by deepening technological competition and restructuring supply chains, the two countries could establish a new industrial order and create an innovative ecosystem if they