Assembly speaker meets Italian parliamentary leaders, Vatican officials to discuss cooperation

National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik met with Italian parliamentary leaders and Vatican officials during his four-nation European trip to discuss cooperation, his office announced on Thursday. In Rome on Wednesday, Cho spoke with Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana about expanding people-to-people and parliamentary exchanges, as well as boosting economic and industrial collaboration.

With the two nations' relations elevated to a special strategic partnership, cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space, and defense has accelerated, Cho noted.

Cho invited Fontana to visit South Korea the following year to coincide with the country's hosting of World Youth Day 2027. In a separate meeting, Cho discussed strengthening parliamentary exchanges and economic ties with Gian Marco Centinaio, the vice president of the Italian Senate. As both countries are manufacturing giants, Cho called for closer cooperation in semiconductors, emphasizing the potential for mutual strength.

During his Vatican City visit, Cho met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's secretary of state, and Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik. Cho expressed South Korea's commitment to supporting the 2027 World Youth Day event in Vatican City. Holding the youth gathering on the Korean Peninsula, despite existing tensions and military confrontation, could serve as an opportunity for peace and reconciliation, Cho stated in his meeting with Parolin.

The Pope's message of peace and reconciliation is expected to contribute significantly to easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Cho added. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit South Korea next year for World Youth Day, a major Catholic youth event held periodically.