South Korean Assembly Speaker conducts European diplomatic tour

South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik is conducting a four-nation European tour to strengthen economic, industrial, and parliamentary ties. During his visit to Rome, Cho met with Italian Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana and Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio to discuss expanding cooperation in future industries, specifically semiconductors, artificial intelligence, space, and defense.

In Vatican City, Cho met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik. The discussions focused on South Korea’s commitment to hosting World Youth Day 2027. Cho expressed hope that the event could promote peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, noting that the Pope’s messages of peace could help ease regional tensions.

The broader tour also includes scheduled visits to Croatia and Greece to discuss advanced technologies, energy, defense, and shipbuilding.