Meloni and Lee Dialogue in Seoul to Strengthen Cooperation and Address Global Challenges

Published on January 19, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Giorgia Meloni and Lee Jae-Myung conversing during a bilateral meeting at the Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, with Italian and South Korean flags in the background.

Meloni and Lee Dialogue in Seoul to Strengthen Cooperation and Address Global Challenges

Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, held a meeting with South Korea's leader, Lee Jae-Myung, at the presidential headquarters in Seoul. The dialogue focused on analyzing the current geopolitical landscape, with special attention to the Indo-Pacific region and the conflict in Ukraine. Meloni highlighted her counterpart's pragmatic approach, aimed at reducing tensions. This contact underscores both nations' intention to strengthen bilateral ties and coordinate more in international organizations. 🌍

Expand the Alliance in the G7 and Explore Africa

During the conversations, both leaders emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between Seoul and Group of Seven countries. They also evaluated options to launch shared initiatives on the African continent. The vision is to merge technological capabilities, train professionals, and carry out joint investments. This effort aligns with Italy's Mattei Plan and the collaboration it already promotes in the area. The ultimate goal is to establish a more formal political dialogue and a stronger relationship. 🤝

Key Points of the Proposed Collaboration:
  • Technological Synergy: Combine South Korean expertise in high technology with Italian industrial experience.
  • Human Capital Training: Develop programs to train personnel in strategic sectors in Africa.
  • Joint Investments: Direct funds toward infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
Modern diplomacy is not just about talking about problems, but about finding distant common ground to collaborate and avoid discussing more immediate disagreements.

A Diplomatic Bridge Between Continents

The meeting represents a diplomatic effort to reconcile positions on complex geopolitical issues and to identify areas of mutual benefit that transcend Europe and Asia. By proposing triangular cooperation in Africa, both nations aim to project influence and present an alternative development model that unites resources and knowledge. 🌉

Strategic Objectives of the Dialogue:
  • Align Positions: Seek consensus on urgent global challenges.
  • Project Influence: Expand strategic presence through projects in third countries.
  • Create an Alternative Model: Offer a development pathway that combines complementary capabilities.

Towards a More Structured Bilateral Relationship

In summary, the meeting between Meloni and Lee consolidates a political will to take the relationship to the next level. Beyond addressing international crises, practical avenues of collaboration are explored, such as the partnership in Africa under the umbrella of the Mattei Plan. This approach reflects how contemporary geopolitics seeks to build bridges of cooperation in distant scenarios, fostering active and forward-looking diplomacy. 🔗