National Museum of Korea, Uffizi Galleries sign MOU on collection exchanges, restoration cooperation

Two prominent museums from Korea and Italy signed an agreement Saturday to enhance cooperation in the exchange of their collections, Seoul's presidential office said.

The National Museum of Korea and the Uffizi Galleries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to that end in Florence during President Lee Jae Myung's visit to the Italian museum, according to the Blue House.

Lee's visit to the Uffizi Galleries was part of a special guest protocol. The Korean president is on a state visit to Italy, which began on Wednesday in Rome.

Under the MOU, the two institutions will enhance cooperation in collection exchanges, exhibitions and collection management, and restoration, as well as publications.

Both sides will also jointly develop programs for planned exchanges.

The signing of the MOU came after Lee and Italian President Sergio Mattarella agreed earlier this week to elevate bilateral relations to a special strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in advanced technology, trade, cultural exchanges and other areas.

Yonhap