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First Korea-Italy Forum

Korea and Italy have maintained diplomatic relations since 1884, making Italy one of Korea's oldest diplomatic partners. In commemoration of the 120th anniversary of bilateral relations, the first Korea-Italy Forum was held in Rome on June 24, 2004. I was there to present a paper during a session on inter-Korean relations and peace on the Korean peninsula.

I was somewhat nervous at first because the other two Korean presenters were distinguished scholars, both known for their deep understanding of Italy. One was Professor Kim Seok-Chul, architect and Dean at the College of Architecture, Myongji University, who presented during the society and culture session. The other was Professor Han Hong-sun, Dean of the Graduate School at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, who spoke at the economy session. It was my first visit to Italy. Studying politics, I had longed to visit the country of Rome and the Renaissance, Dante and Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Da Vinci, and Gramsci and Togliatti. In addition to such personal excitement and expectation, I also enjoyed the refreshing surroundings and company of the Italian participants.

First of all, the venue for the first Korea-Italy Forum was the historic Villa Madama in Rome, designed by the famous painter Rafael. It is known as a place where summit meetings are held (former President Kim Dae-jung had a summit with his Italian counterpart here). The building itself and the surrounding landscape were very beautiful, and the ceiling of Villa Madama was decorated with Rafael's painting. Secondly, the forum participants from Italy were most impressive. They included Gianni Letta, Undersecretary to the Prime Minister's Office, known to be the number two man in the Italian government; Lamberto Dini, Vice President of the Senate and former Prime Minister; Franco Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Margherita Boniver, Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Francesco Rausi, Italy's Ambassador to Korea; and Gianni De Michelis, former Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Italian delegation reflected the depth of interest in which the Italian government had in the forum and in Korea, and also reflected the behind-the-scenes efforts of the Korean Embassy in Italy on the forum's behalf.

Far more surprising, however, was the content of discussion at the forum. Through paper presentations and discussions, the participants exchanged insightful opinions and wisdom about the issues of the present world, Europe, and the Korean peninsula. From my experience of meetings and discussions with politicians from various countries, I think that, to some degree, a country's place in world politics corresponds to its politicians's knowledge and ability. In this regard, I was quite amazed by the knowledge of Italy's government officials on global and historical subjects. I must confess that I was also greatly surprised by the Italian participants' expertise on Korea and their suggestions for solving the issues that Korea faces. Their understanding of Korea, especially in regard to the economy, was deep, and comparable to the expertise of a professional. It seemed to me that the depth of their understanding was a product of mutual interest and dialogue between the world's seventh and twelfth largest economies, and seemed to transcend the geographical distance.

In my paper, I explained the current status of the Korean problem, including the North Korean nuclear issue, and emphasized the Korean problem's universal and regional impact beyond Korea itself. In short, there can be no peace in East Asia without peace on the Korean peninsula, and there can be no peace in the world without peace in East Asia. Then I made suggestions on how Korea might borrow European wisdom of peace-building and integration to a sustainable peace system in East Asia and on the Korean peninsula. That is, I emphasized the overlapping structure and development of the Korea problem as that of East Asia and the world. I then explained the need for multilateral efforts by East Asia, the world and the two Koreas, to secure peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

I presented various historic examples of market and economic integration, peace culture, institution, and peace through democratic process, and asked for Italy and Europe to share their experience with us. When I emphasized the need for a creation of peace culture and development of democracy in North Korea; a peace treaty and economic integration between North and South Korea; international guaranty for peace on the Korean peninsula; and efforts for the creation of an East Asian energy community_peace community_economic community, Italian participants expressed their support.

The Italian participants expressed that they were quite satisfied with the presentations and discussions at the forum. They also appreciated soprano Jo Su-mi's performance, organized as a post-forum event, and paid tribute to the late Kim Sun-il, killed by terrorists in Iraq. I felt very proud when I heard Italian participants praise Jo's musical talent, who sang Verdi, Puccini, as well as Arirang and In Yearning for Mt. Geumgang.

After the official schedule of the forum, including a one-day tour of Rome, I stayed for two more days to make the most of my visit to Italy. Together with Professor Park Hong-kyoo, of the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, who took part in the forum, I visited Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii and Florence to see historic sites and artistic works which I always wanted to see. Goethe's house, which I visited at night, thinking of his Italian travelogue, looked far more charming. I feel like writing about the human civilization I saw in Pompeii, the Arno river I crossed in Florence, the Renaissance, Machiavelli, Michelangelo and Da Vinci sometime in the future. Rome and Pompeii seemed to present the most fundamental questions to us. Are the lives and civilizations of human beings really progressing and developing? What do human beings really want to achieve?

Having participated in this event, I am personally grateful to the Korea Foundation and the Korean Embassy in Italy. I have always felt that exchange and dialogue with other nations are important in enhancing mutual understanding, peace and harmony among nations.

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