President Yoon Emphasizes Shared Values of Democracy and Human Dignity During Italy Visit

President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on June 11 that "the values of democracy, constitutional order, human dignity, intergenerational integration, and a norm-based international order, which are emphasized by President Sergio Mattarella, are also respected as shared values by South Korea."

During a summit at the Quirinal Palace, President Yoon and President Mattarella discussed ways to enhance cooperation between their countries.

In his opening remarks, President Yoon noted, "This aligns with my governance philosophy to uphold democracy and peace, inheriting the 'Revolution of Light' that preserved constitutional order through the power of the sovereign people."

He emphasized, "I hope our two countries can work together to respond to the uncertainties of the international order and the global complex crisis based on these shared values."

President Yoon referenced Cicero, a prominent politician of the Roman Republic, stating, "True friendship can only exist among the good," and expressed a desire to deepen ties as reliable partners sharing universal human values.

Following the summit, Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong reported that the two leaders had a broad discussion on the development of bilateral relations and international issues.

Both sides agreed on the need for stability and peace in the Middle East and emphasized that dialogue and peaceful solutions should take precedence in resolving international issues.

They committed to working together as middle powers with similar positions.

Regarding the Korean Peninsula, President Yoon explained the South Korean government's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea, to which President Mattarella responded that he hopes the two countries will communicate closely on issues related to the Korean Peninsula and other international matters.

After the summit, President Yoon met with Italian House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana.

President Yoon urged attention to the Korean diaspora in Italy, and Speaker Fontana expressed his intention to contribute to enhancing exchanges with various sectors in South Korea, indicating his desire to visit Korea.

Spokesperson Kang reported that Speaker Fontana praised the development of Korean popular culture, noting that the popularity of K-beauty and K-dramas is captivating young people in Italy, highlighting the "power of culture" from South Korea.