The diplomatic mission undertaken by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in mid-January 2026 marks a turning point in Italian foreign policy, outlining a broad strategy that combines stability in the Middle East with technological growth in the Indo-Pacific. In a fluid international context, marked by Donald Trump’s return to the White House and tensions in the eastern seas, Italy seeks to position itself as a reliable bridge between the West and the East.

JAPAN AND THE NEW AXIS WITH SANAE TAKAICHI

After the visit to Oman, the central stop was in Tokyo, which saw a historic meeting between Giorgia Meloni and the new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to lead the Japanese government. This bilateral meeting sealed an agreement that had already been reached during previous international summits, transforming it into a concrete strategic partnership.

SOUTH KOREA: TECHNOLOGICAL COLLABORATIONS AND CUTTING-EDGE ALLIANCES

The last stop on the tour will be tomorrow in Seoul, highlighting South Korea’s crucial importance for Italy’s economic future. A Joint Declaration will be adopted there to define the strategic priorities for bilateral trade. It is essential to emphasize that Italy currently boasts important partnerships in South Korea, especially in high-tech sectors.

CERTIFYING INNOVATION: ECM’S COLLABORATIONS IN SOUTH KOREA

ECM, a leader in the field of certification, has long had important partnerships in place to combine South Korean innovation with European certification expertise. To date, we are also working to involve other players to open new avenues for South Korean companies in Europe and strengthen ECM‘s position as a strategic partner in the area.