Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Marine Department today announced the implementation of measures to encourage more yachts from the Greater Bay Area and around the world to visit Hong Kong.

The department said its three measures will streamline the vetting procedures and enhance the efficiency of port formalities. The ultimate aim is to help the city develop into a yachting hub in Asia.

The measures involve enhancing the Electronic Business System (eBS), relaxing berth requirements, and supporting masters of visiting yachts from the Chinese Mainland to obtain Hong Kong qualifications.

Launched today, the eBS allows the owner or master of a visiting yacht, without the need to engage a local agent, to set up a personal account and conduct one-stop submission of arrival information for preliminary vetting by Hong Kong authorities.

The owner or master can also complete port formalities for their vessel and settle fees via the system.

The department has also developed a Dynamic Yacht Monitoring System, which allows visiting yachts to navigate safely in Hong Kong waters and to anchor in designated areas, without having to reserve berths at privately operated yacht clubs or piers.

The five designated anchorage areas are located at Stanley Bay, Tai Tam Bay, Repulse Bay, Three Fathoms Cove in Sai Kung, and Tai O. Users must have equipped their yachts with an Automatic Identification System and a Very High Frequency radio.

Additionally, the department has authorised the relevant Mainland authority to conduct “Hong Kong Waters Local Knowledge Examinations” on the Mainland. It has also approved seven training institutions to offer recognised training courses.

The department added that as of mid-June the first batch of Mainland yacht masters had successfully passed the examination or received training.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department has iterated that it is committed to enhancing the management standards of country parks.

The department made the statement in response to an investigative report, released today by the Office of The Ombudsman, on the Government’s work on the management of countryside facilities.

It said it accepts the Ombudsman’s recommendations and will make every effort to implement them. It added that some of the measures have already been initiated or completed.

The specific measures include enhancing facility maintenance and inspections at country parks; improving the system for monitoring the performance of cleaning contractors; allocating additional resources, hiring contractors, and adopting new designs to improve the maintenance of facilities such as rain shelters; updating the contents of the country park visitor questionnaire and the “Enjoy Hiking” website; and providing GPX files for all trails on the website.

The department said it agrees with the Ombudsman’s recommendations on strengthening public education and the dissemination of information. It is currently developing several publicity channels, including establishing a YouTube account for Hong Kong Country Parks and applying to open an official Xiaohongshu account.

It will continue to work with relevant government departments to strengthen the management of ecotourism hotspots during weekends, public holidays and the Mainland Golden Week holidays as necessary.

It will also explore co-operation with other organisations to deepen education and publicity with regard to the protection of country parks and hiking safety awareness.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced today (June 23) that new inspection requirements covering nine product categories will take effect on July 1, 2026. The newly regulated products include electric vehicle charging equipment rated at 30 kW or below, power conversion systems rated at 20 kW or below, stationary lithium energy storage systems with a capacity of 20 kWh or below, lithium battery packs for energy storage with capacities ranging from 1 kWh to 20 kWh, seven types of rechargeable household appliances such as electric mosquito swatters, and plastic puzzle ground mats. In addition, energy efficiency requirements for automotive tires will be introduced, while inspection requirements for Portland cement and wooden board commodities will be revised to further enhance product safety and quality.

BSMI explained that electric vehicle charging equipment, power conversion systems, stationary lithium energy storage systems, and lithium battery packs for energy storage are increasingly being installed in residential and other environments. At the same time, advances in battery technology have led to the widespread use of rechargeable batteries in household appliances, including electric mosquito swatters. To ensure consumer safety, these products will be brought under mandatory inspection and tested in accordance with national standards harmonized with international standards.

The requirements cover key safety aspects such as insulation performance, thermal stability, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and flame retardancy. To better protect children’s health and reduce exposure to hazardous substances such as phthalates and formamide, plastic puzzle ground mats will also be subject to mandatory inspection requirements. Beginning July 1, 2026, these products must comply with applicable inspection requirements and complete the required conformity assessment procedures before being placed on the market.

In line with global sustainability trends, BSMI is introducing additional energy efficiency requirements for automobile tyres, including rolling sound emission, wet grip braking performance, and rolling resistance coefficient, to enhance energy efficiency and driving comfort. Meanwhile, to promote the reuse of waste materials in cement production and advance circular economy objectives, a chloride ion testing requirement will be included in the inspection requirements for Portland cement to ensure that the introduction of alternative raw materials does not compromise cement quality and stability. Inspection standards and testing methods for wooden board commodities will be revised to improve inspection efficiency.

To safeguard consumer rights and product safety, BSMI will continue to collect and assess safety information on emerging products, require mandatory inspection for products with potential safety concerns, and regularly review and update these requirements. Manufacturers are urged to comply with applicable safety and labeling requirements. Consumers are advised to purchase products bearing the Commodity Inspection Mark and to ensure that relevant electrical equipment is evaluated and installed by qualified electrical contractors designated by the manufacturer.

Details of the newly announced inspection requirements are available on the BSMI website (https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/mp?mp=2) under News > Regulatory Updates > Announcements of Adoption. For further information, please visit the website or contact BSMI’s toll-free service line at 0800-007123.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Mr. Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel. (O): +886-2343-1700#1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today launched a two-month public consultation on policy proposals relating to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), including a statutory seven-day cooling-off period on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services.

Explaining the proposals, it said issues such as improper selling tactics and risks stemming from pre-payment models are particularly concentrated in the beauty and fitness services industries. Consumers often enter into long contracts involving substantial pre-payments under the sway of aggressive commercial practices or persuasive sales tactics.

It added that there are limitations to the existing TDO in terms of investigatory work by Customs. 

A comprehensive review of the ordinance has therefore been conducted, with reference to various factors, including practices. Various policy proposals are included in the public consultation document.

The statutory cooling-off period on pre-paid consumer contracts for beauty and fitness services is intended to give consumers room to reconsider any pre-payment agreements. The proposed cooling-off period is seven calendar days, and the proposed refund period is 14 calendar days.

A regulatory threshold based on the contract amount would be established. Proposed thresholds for consideration include $3,000 and above, $8,000 and above or $15,000 and above.

The Government also proposes imposing a statutory two-year limit on contract durations, as well as other restrictions on pre-paid beauty and fitness contracts. Moreover, traders would be prohibited from entering into a contract with consumers any more than thre months in advance of the contract taking effect.

In addition, the Government proposes adding Section 13I of the TDO, which pertains to the offence of wrongly accepting payment, to Schedule 1 of the Organized & Serious Crimes Ordinance. This would empower Customs with additional investigatory and enforcement powers, including the power to seek restraint orders in court.

The Government will organise consultation sessions to brief the beauty and fitness industries on the policy proposals and to listen to their views and suggestions.

The trade and members of the public can submit views by email, by fax to 2869 4420, or by mail to the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, 23/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As of this morning, about 82.4% of Wang Fuk Court owners had submitted signed Letters of Acceptance confirming their intention to sell their titles to the Government.

The Government announced last Friday that its long-term housing arrangement plan has been extended to owners of units at Wang Chi House, Block H of the estate, and reported that acquisition work is progressing.

The Housing Bureau said today that a total of 1,635 signed Letters of Acceptance had been received from the owners of Wang Fuk Court’s eight buildings.

Breaking this down, 1,429 letters came from Blocks A to G, representing about 82.3% of the total number of flats in these seven buildings. A further 206 letters came from owners at Wang Chi House, representing about 83% of the ownership.

Tomorrow is the deadline for owners who wish to secure flat selection priority in the first batch under the planned Special Sales Exercise.

The bureau called on other owners to submit Letters of Acceptance before the deadline.

Owners can submit signed Letters of Acceptance using the return envelope enclosed with their Letter of Offer by post, by hand or by courier. For owners who opt to send the return by post, the postmark date will be taken as the submission date. Owners can also choose to submit their letters in person to the drop-off box at the Housing Authority Headquarters, or hand them over to their designated Engagement Team member.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a reception on July 1 to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony, which will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai at 8am. No public viewing area will be set up.

The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a choir from Belilios Public School and Queen’s College will sing the national anthem under the lead of singers Albert Lim and Vivian Yau. This will be followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.

The reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held afterwards at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and in the nearby area during the celebrations.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home Affairs Department’s Office of the Licensing Authority today released two guides to guesthouse licence applications.

The guides aim to help individuals to apply for licences to operate holiday camps in rural areas or home-stay lodgings in village houses.

The move aligns with an initiative announced in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address regarding the promotion of thematic tourism.

The two guides are an enhanced “Guide to Licence Applications for Guesthouse (Holiday Camp) Covering Building, Caravan & Tent Campsites” and the newly published “Guide to Licence Application for Guesthouse in Village House”.

The documents outline the building and fire safety requirements for holiday camps and village houses, and set out the prerequisites for operating of holiday camps and home-stay lodgings in rural areas.

With regard to holiday camps or village houses in remote areas which are not equipped with emergency vehicular access or street fire hydrants, the authority may, based on actual circumstances, permit applicants to adopt other fire safety measures such as installing wheeled-type dry powder fire extinguishers and self-contained smoke detectors.

For village houses built before 1961, which may not fully meet current prescribed construction standards, the authority may accept different proposals, based on their individual merits, in relation to structural safety, fire resistant construction, means of escape, lighting and ventilation, provided that these meet building safety requirements.

While prioritising building and fire safety, the authority will continue to remove barriers and lift restrictions to facilitate the operation of holiday camps and home-stay lodgings in rural areas, and will constantly review and enhance the licensing regime for guesthouses.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial Translation)

My fellow Koreans, distinguished Korean War veterans and bereaved families, members of the diplomatic corps of United Nations Sending States whose forces shed blood alongside us in defense of the Republic of Korea,

As we mark the 76th anniversary of the Korean War, I extend my deepest respect and gratitude, on behalf of the Korean people, to all of our honored veterans.

I also extend my heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families, who have endured many long years of deep longing and sorrow.

We have gathered here today to honor the heroes who defended the Republic of Korea and protected its people during the Korean War – the most horrible tragedy in our nation’s history.

The peace and prosperity we enjoy today came at a cost. These were secured through the noble sacrifices and devotion of our heroes, who gave everything they had and fought on the battlefield when the fate of our homeland hung by a thread.

Because of the devastating war that broke out on this day seventy-six years ago, countless citizens lost their beloved family members and were forced to flee the homes and communities where they had lived their entire lives.

Peaceful daily life was brutally trampled on, and the Republic of Korea’s very survival hung in the balance.

Yet we never wavered in our resolve to defend our homeland. Regular soldiers were joined by students, who laid down their pens and took up rifles as volunteer troops. Ordinary citizens who had never fired a gun threw themselves into a hail of bullets, determined to safeguard this country and their families.

Remembering and honoring these heroes is one of the foremost responsibilities of our nation and community, as well as the solemn duty of all of us who now enjoy lives of freedom, prosperity and peace.

It is an unwavering principle of this government, founded on popular sovereignty, that those who dedicate themselves to their country and make extraordinary sacrifices for it must receive extraordinary compensation, as well as the honor and respect they deserve.

We will do our utmost to ensure that our war veterans’ sacrifices remain not just a source of personal pride but also bring them a life of greater dignity and stability.

Today, the government conferred awards on three members of the nonregular forces whose distinguished service during the Korean War was not fully recognized for far too long.

I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to these war veterans who have finally received the honor they deserve, albeit belatedly, and offer my deepest condolences to their bereaved families. Please join me in giving them a round of applause.

Moreover, a revision to the Act on the Honorable Treatment of War Veterans and Establishment of Related Associations took effect on May 20, allowing surviving family members of war veterans to join veterans’ organizations.

We will continue to strengthen institutional support to ensure that a spirit of dedication to the nation does not fade away after one generation, but is proudly passed on to future generations.

We must also never forget the UN Korean War veterans.

The freedom and peace that the Republic of Korea enjoys today spring from the sacred devotion and sacrifice of the UN Korean War veterans who willingly gave their best years and their lives for a small country in the Far East that they had never even heard of before.

Our solidarity forged in blood in the trenches seventy-six years ago has evolved into the steadfast partnership we see today, through which we join forces to advance peace and prosperity worldwide.

Having transformed from a nation that received aid from the international community to an aid donor after overcoming the scars of war, the Republic of Korea bears a responsibility to repay the debt of gratitude we owe them.

The government will further expand its diplomatic outreach to honor veterans abroad, for instance, by inviting UN Korean War veterans to Korea. We will strive even more to ensure that the spirit of solidarity that blossomed in the trenches lives on among younger generations.

Fellow Koreans,

Seventy-six years ago, today, our heroes refused to surrender this land, even when the bullets rained down.

They willingly gave their lives, dreaming of a nation free from war. The peaceful days we now enjoy are the future that they so fiercely desired.

The government, founded on popular sovereignty, will steadfastly protect this great Republic of Korea, built by our heroes.

We will safeguard our people and territory through strong national defense capability. We will build a peaceful Korean Peninsula where there are neither fears of war nor any need for conflict.

I believe that this is the best way to repay the heroes who sacrificed their lives and youth to defend this country.

To mark the 76th anniversary of the Korean War, I once again extend my deepest respect and gratitude to our war veterans and fallen heroes.

Thank you.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(Unofficial Translation)

Your Eminence Cardinal You Heung-sik,
distinguished Guests,
I am filled with profound reverence as I stand in this holy place, where the spirit and legacy of the Apostle Paul continue to inspire us.

I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Your Eminence and to the officials of the Holy See for arranging this meaningful gathering and for your gracious hospitality.

Distinguished Guests,
today, our world is confronted by mounting conflict and profound uncertainty.

The sound of gunfire still echoes across Ukraine.
New violence continues to erupt in the Middle East.
The foundations of cooperation and coexistence are being tested, while division and confrontation cast long shadows across the international community.

The Korean Peninsula is not immune to these realities.
The South and the North, which once spoke together of peace and shared prosperity, have regressed to a time of separation and confrontation.

Channels of dialogue have been severed, and mistrust and tension persist.

Yet the people of the Republic of Korea have never wavered in their faith in peace and democracy.

Through countless trials and hardships, we have always found the strength to overcome them.

We reclaimed a nation that had been taken from us.
We rebuilt that nation from the ashes of war.
We nurtured democracy through periods of dictatorship and oppression.

And in moments of economic crisis and social turmoil, we illuminated darkness not with guns and knives, but with candlelight;
not with violence, but with peace;
not with cynicism, but with solidarity.

The Catholic Church in Korea has shared this journey.
Born as a voluntary community of lay believers and tempered through persecution, the Church has stood firmly alongside the Korean people, defending human dignity and advancing peace and solidarity through every trial our society has endured.

Distinguished Guests,
twenty-six years ago, on the fifteenth of June, the South and the North met face to face for the first time since division and adopted the ‘June 15th South-North Joint Declaration.’

It was a historic milestone that demonstrated to the world the potential of dialogue and cooperation over longstanding confrontation and hostility.

In its wake opened a new door of hope for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Families were reunited.
Humanitarian assistance expanded.
Exchanges and visits followed.

Even now, I firmly believe that the embers of that hope are still alive.

Since taking office last year, the Government of the Republic of Korea has pursued preemptive measures to ease tensions.
We halted the scattering of leaflets and loudspeaker broadcasts directed toward the North.
We have made clear that we seek neither unification by absorption, nor unilateral competition between systems.

We will continue efforts to prevent accidental military clashes and restore channels of trust.
We are determined to move beyond the current state of armistice toward a sustainable peace regime.

Distinguished Guests,
for decades, the international community has hoped for lasting peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.
And the Republic of Korea, too, has worked steadily to live up to those hopes and that invaluable support.

In this regard, I wish to express my deepest gratitude, together with the Korean people, to the Holy See for its unwavering support and continued attention to the whole process.

At a time when conflict and uncertainty weigh heavily upon humanity, the Republic of Korea now wishes to convey a message of hope.

We possess the strength lit up by democracy.
We possess the dignity of a vibrant culture.
And we possess the promise of a future shaped by science, technology, and innovation.
With these strengths, we will contribute to building a world that is more peaceful and more free – a world in which everyone can live with dignity.

Together with all who share this vision, we will strive to transcend borders and ideologies, race and culture.
Where there is conflict, we will seek reconciliation, where there is distrust, we will foster trust, and where there is division, we will build solidarity.
And we will fulfill our shared responsibility to leave peace as a common inheritance to all humanity.

The book of Isaiah, Chapter 2, Verse 4, tells us:
“They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.”
I ask you to pray together that these precious words may be fulfilled throughout our land.

I sincerely hope that we can create a virtuous cycle in which peace on the Korean Peninsula leads to peace in the world, and the solidarity of the world, in turn, helps secure peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Next year, Seoul will host the World Youth Day.
I am confident that it will be a meaningful opportunity for young people from every corner of the globe to deepen bonds of friendship and embrace the values of peace and solidarity beyond the boundaries of nation, language, and culture.

I look forward to welcoming young people from around the world to Seoul – those who will walk across the constraints of front lines, barbed wire, and borders.
I assure you that the Government of the Republic of Korea, for its part, will spare no effort to render our wholehearted support.

“Take courage! I have overcome the world.”
Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ spoke these words to disciples who were trembling in fear.
I trust that these same words may inspire younger generations with comfort, courage, and hope.

May the prayers we offer together today plant blessed seeds of hope in our hearts, and bear fruit of peace and solidarity throughout the world.

I pray that the grace of God be with all of you.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

On behalf of the Korean people, I extend my sincere gratitude to President Sergio Mattarella and the people of Italy for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

It is deeply meaningful and a great honor to visit Italy on a state visit as President of the Republic of Korea – the first such visit in twenty-six years.

Built on 142 years of enduring mutual trust, the horizons of cooperation between our two countries continue to broaden.

Italy is ROK’s fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, while the ROK is Italy’s fourth-largest trading partner in Asia. We have already become very important trading partners to each other.

Moreover, cooperation between our two countries is expanding beyond trade and investment to include advanced industries and science and technology sectors such as renewable energy, biohealth and digital technology, as well as the artificial intelligence, defense and space industries.

Above all, our bilateral relations rest on the solid foundation of people-to-people exchanges. The Korean people’s affection for Italy is truly exceptional, as demonstrated by the fact that approximately 1 million Koreans visit Italy each year.

An increasing number of young Italians are visiting Korea, drawn by K-pop and K-beauty.

Reflecting our shared commitment to advancing our cooperation in an even more dynamic way, President Mattarella and I agreed today to elevate our bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.

Building on the trust and bonds we have forged over the years and our shared values, our two countries will open a new chapter of cooperation aimed at achieving shared prosperity.

Allow me to share the key outcomes of our meeting and this visit to Italy.

First, our two countries will further develop trade and investment cooperation in a mutually beneficial manner and work together to ensure that businesses from both countries can operate in a stable environment.

The ROK–Italy Business Roundtable, which will be held tomorrow in Rome, will bring together approximately thirty companies from our two countries.

I believe this will provide a valuable opportunity for companies from both countries to explore new avenues for growth in a wide range of fields, including semiconductors, AI, the defense industry, aerospace, energy and biohealth.

Notably, we will sign on this occasion the MOU on Promotion and Cooperation in the Fields of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Micro-Enterprises and the MOU for the Enhancement of Cooperation in the Field of the Social and Solidarity Economy. These MOUs will serve as an important foundation for identifying practical ways to support SMEs and small business owners and for fostering vibrant social and solidarity economy ecosystems in both countries.

In January, during Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Korea, I shared my views on the potential implications of Italy’s newly introduced super-depreciation scheme for Korean companies.

Thanks to the prompt action taken by the Italian government and parliament, the unfavorable conditions affecting our companies have recently been addressed. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude.

I believe that this stands as a powerful testament to the profound trust between our two governments and our unwavering commitment to shared prosperity.

For its part, the Korean government is committed to ensuring a smooth and stable business environment for Italian companies operating in Korea.

Second, we will further expand forward-looking cooperation between our two countries in advanced industries and science and technology.

The ROK and Italy are supporting joint research projects in eight fields, including AI, advanced biotechnology, space, maritime and aviation technologies, and semiconductors and displays, from 2026 to 2028.

In particular, building on the cooperation MOU concluded last year, our two countries’ space agencies are strengthening their strategic coordination through joint satellite orbit and position tracking as well as cooperation in responding to potential risks.

The MOU on Cooperation in Advanced Science and Technology and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), to be adopted on this occasion, will serve as an institutional foundation for further advancing our two countries’ partnership in national strategic technology sectors, including AI, quantum industries, sixth generation mobile communications and advanced biotechnology.

Third, drawing on our time-honored cultural heritage and creativity, we will further broaden cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.

Italy has been a steadfast partner in cultural exchanges, helping introduce the artistic excellence and cinematic quality of Korean films to European and international audiences through the Venice International Film Festival and the Florence Korea Film Fest.

Through the Agreement on Film Coproduction that our two countries have agreed to conclude, our two nations will be able to generate greater synergy from our respective cultural strengths, creating new opportunities for the revitalization of our cultural industries.

Also on the occasion of this visit, Korean-language audio guide services will be launched for the first time at the Roman Forum – a historic site that vividly illuminates the origins and history of Roman civilization.

From the Colosseum and the ruins of Pompeii to the Roman Forum, I hope that the Korean people will be able to experience Italy’s time-honored history and culture more easily and vividly.

The National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Galleries are scheduled to sign an MOU during my June 13 visit to Florence.

I am confident that this will serve as an important opportunity to further enhance cultural exchanges between both our peoples.

Moreover, special attention and support will be extended to facilitate smooth exchanges between students from both nations and promote the study of each other’s languages.

Fourth, as responsible members of the international community, we will pool our wisdom and strengthen our joint responses to geopolitical challenges.

The supply chain disruptions caused by the recent situation in the Middle East have underscored the critical need of close cooperation among partner countries.

Korea and Italy will continue to engage in close communication and cooperation to enhance energy security and supply chain stability.

The MOU on Development Cooperation, to be signed on this occasion, will enable our two countries to jointly support economic growth in Africa and the Indo-Pacific while further solidifying our strategic partnership.

Moreover, our two countries will jointly respond to the climate crisis – a shared challenge for humanity – through a great transition to renewable energy, while actively contributing to the efforts of the international community.

Finally, our two countries will maintain close communication for the sake of regional peace and stability, including on the Korean Peninsula.

I outlined to President Mattarella my vision for peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula.

The President expressed high regard for our government’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation and pledge d to work together for peace and stability on the Peninsula.

Based on our shared value of respect for international law and multilateral cooperation, we will continue to broaden the horizons of our cooperation on the international stage, including at the United Nations.

To ensure the faithful implementation and effective follow-up of all these achievements and cooperative measures, our two countries will adopt the ROK-Italy Strategic Action Plan 2026–2030.

We will continue to strengthen our communication and cooperation so that this visit can open a new path to shared prosperity and yield tangible changes in the lives of Korean and Italian citizens.

I extend my sincere gratitude once again to President Mattarella and the Italian people for their warm hospitality.

I look forward to opening new horizons together for the Republic of Korea and Italy.

Grazie di cuore! (Thank you.)