By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Pohang City Mayor Lee Kang-deok met with Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto on July 4 to discuss exchange and cooperation plans between cities in the two countries, the city announced.

The meeting was held at the ambassador's residence following an official invitation from the Italian Embassy in South Korea.

Ambassador Gatto attended the “2025 Pohang International Light Festival” held from June 20 to 22.

During the meeting, she expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and warm hospitality of the citizens of Pohang, introduced major Italian cities, and proposed sister city and friendship city exchange plans.

Ambassador Gatto said, “Pohang City's future vision and the embassy's urban diplomacy direction have many similarities,” adding, “I believe cooperation is possible in various fields, including culture, arts, environment, education, and advanced technology.”

She also emphasized her philosophy on urban diplomacy, saying, “For sustainable and substantial urban diplomacy, it is important to build trust through steady and sincere exchanges rather than rushing things.”

Mayor Lee said, “This meeting is a valuable opportunity to further expand Pohang City's international cooperation base,” and introduced Pohang, saying, “Pohang is promoting future new industries and green growth beyond the steel industry, such as secondary batteries, hydrogen energy, bio-health, and marine tourism.”

Mayor Lee said, “I expect practical cooperation to be possible in various fields, such as culture, arts, sustainable industries, and citizen exchanges, with Italian cities.”