By Sohn JiAe and Kim Young Shin

President Moon Jae-in held a summit with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni in New York on Sept. 20 to reaffirm their cooperation on local and international issues, including North Korea’s nuclear weapons threats.

The two sides commented on the close and reliable relationship that has been continued between Seoul and Rome, and agreed to tighten their ties.

President Moon mentioned the increase of trade volume between the two countries, which has risen to USD 8 billion after the FTA between Korea and the EU came into effect. He said, “Italy has lots of powerful small- and medium-sized enterprises. Let us vitalize cooperation on small business-related fields, such as exchanging technologies, human resources and other knowledge.”

Prime Minister Gentiloni said that he will promote increased cooperation on small-and medium-sized businesses, the defense industry and agriculture, and push for reciprocal visits and discussions between the ministers concerned.

The two leaders agreed to work with the international community to strongly confront North Korea’s continued provocations.

President Moon said that Italy, as the chair of the G7, a member of the U.N. Security Council and the chair of the U.N. committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea in 2017, makes many helpful statements that strongly condemn North Korea. He said, “To South Korea, North Korea’s nuclear weapons issues are the priority. I thank Italy for continuously supporting and encouraging the Korean government in this matter.”

“Italy and Korea are very close friends,” said Prime Minister Gentiloni. “Korea will always get full support from Italy regarding North Korea’s nuclear weapons issues and military threats. Rome will actively support Seoul against whatever provocation comes from North Korea.”

President Moon also asked Italy, a winter sports powerhouse, to take an interest and participate in next year’s PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Prime Minister Gentiloni said, “I hope Korea successfully hosts the PyeongChang Winter Games and I will cooperate and support Seoul in that regard.”

jiae5853@korea.kr