Italian PM first foreign leader to visit Seoul after relocation of Cheong Wa Dae

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrives to attend a meeting in Paris, France on Jan. 6, 2026. AP-Yonhap

SEOUL, January 9 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung has invited Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to visit Seoul, Cheong Wa Dae said on Friday.

She is expected to stay in Seoul for three days starting Jan. 17 for talks with Lee.

Her trip will be the first visit by a European leader since Lee took office last year and the first foreign guest since the presidential office returned to Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views on various issues to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss international affairs.

Italy is South Korea's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union and a popular tourist destination, visited by about 1 million South Koreans each year.

Separately, Lee will seek support and attention for the safety of South Korean athletes who will compete at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo and Milan, scheduled to kick off early next month.

Choe In-hyeok inhyeok31@ajunews.com