On October 6, as the National Assembly's audit begins, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik departs for an official visit to Italy, the Vatican, Croatia, and Greece, lasting nine days and seven nights. This marks his first overseas trip since taking office.
According to a press release from the National Assembly Secretariat, Speaker Cho plans to meet with leaders and parliamentary heads of each country to discuss expanding parliamentary exchanges and enhancing economic and industrial cooperation.
In Italy, he will hold talks with House Speaker Lorenzo Fontana and Senate Vice President Gianmarco Centinaio. The discussions will focus on supporting the entry of South Korean companies into infrastructure, digital transformation, and renewable energy sectors, based on the recently elevated 'special strategic partnership' between the two countries.
Earlier, during a summit in June, South Korea and Italy upgraded their 'strategic partnership' established in 2018 to a 'special strategic partnership' for the first time in eight years and adopted a strategic action plan between the two nations.
On October 9 (local time), Cho will meet with Croatian President Zoran Milanović, National Assembly Speaker Gordan Jandroković, and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.
These meetings aim to explore cooperation in the energy sector, including manufacturing, advanced industries, and small modular reactors (SMRs), based on the two countries' 'comprehensive future-oriented partnership.'
Following that, on October 12 (local time), he will meet with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and National Assembly Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis.
In Greece, a leading maritime nation, discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in shipping, shipbuilding, and defense industries, as well as addressing challenges faced by South Korean companies operating locally. Collaboration in the fields of electric vehicles, batteries, solar, and wind energy will also be on the agenda.
Accompanying him on this trip are Democratic Party lawmakers Han Jeong-ae and Hwang Hee, along with People Power Party lawmakers Choi Hyung-doo and Kang Min-guk.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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