Chairman Cho concludes his tour of four European countries... Discussion on economic and industrial cooperation, etc.

Cooperation between the Vatican and the Successful World Youth Day... Strengthening cooperation with Italy and future industries

Sales parliamentary diplomacy in Croatia and Greece… Support for territorial expansion of K-defense and high-tech industries

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Kyu-jin = National Assembly Speaker Jo Jung-sik returned to Korea on the 14th after completing official visits to the Vatican, Italy, Croatia, and Greece on his first overseas trip since taking office.

During his trip, Chairman Cho met with high-ranking officials of the Vatican and the presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary leaders of three European countries to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and discuss ways to expand cooperation in economic and industrial fields such as defense industry, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), shipbuilding, shipping, energy, and infrastructure.

First, Chairman Cho met with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik at the Vatican on the 7th (local time) and requested the Vatican's cooperation in relation to the successful hosting of next year's World Youth Day in Seoul and the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Korea.

In particular, Chairman Cho emphasized to Secretary of State Parolin, "In a situation where tensions on the Korean Peninsula are heightened due to division and military confrontation, holding the World Youth Day can be an opportunity for peace and reconciliation," and added, "I expect the Pope's message will greatly contribute to easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula."

In Italy, we will expand parliamentary exchanges with Speaker of the House Lorenzo Fontana and Vice President of the Senate Gianmarco Centinaio, as well as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and space. We decided to strengthen cooperation in future industries such as defense industry.

Mentioning the issues of mutual recognition of tour guide qualifications in both countries and recognition of English driver's licenses in Italy, he also called for cooperation at the parliamentary level to improve the system.

Chairman Cho visited Croatia on the 9th and 10th and had a series of meetings with President Zoran Milanovic, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and National Assembly Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic.

Chairman Cho proposed to advance defense industry and security cooperation between the two countries through the supply contract for the Korean-made multiple rocket launcher 'Chunmu', and National Assembly Speaker Jandrokovic responded by expressing his willingness to cooperate with Korea in the air force and navy modernization projects.

Chairman Cho also proposed the participation of Korean companies in port, railway, and transportation infrastructure modernization projects, including the Port of Rijeka.

Chairman Cho, who moved to Greece, met with President Konstantinos Tassoulas and Speaker of the National Assembly Nikitas Kaklamanis on the 12th and proposed expanding cooperation in shipbuilding and shipping between the two countries, which are blood alliances, to future industries such as defense industry and high-tech technology.

They also conveyed difficulties such as delays in renewing expatriate residence permits for Korean companies operating in the local area, and requested continued interest and support for stable business activities.

On the 13th, Chairman Cho hosted an economic cooperation luncheon meeting attended by five Greek lawmakers, including Ioannis Plakiotakis, Senior Vice Chairman of the Greek Parliament, and officials from Korean companies such as Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Representatives Han Jeong-ae and Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Kang Min-guk and Choi Hyeong-du of the People Power Party accompanied him on this trip.