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

President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella shake hands in a ceremony at the Italian presidential palace in Rome, Friday (local time). Yonhap

Two prominent museums of Korea and Italy signed an agreement Saturday on enhancing cooperation in exchanging 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 Cheong Wa Dae.

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 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.