South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the Czech Republic on Thursday. The visit will focus on strengthening the “nuclear power alliance” between the two countries. The goal of the trip is to finalize the contract for constructing two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in March of next year.
According to the Presidential Office, Yoon will convey the strong commitment of “Team Korea” to complete the nuclear power project during his official visit to the Czech Republic. He will actively engage in high-level diplomatic efforts to secure contracts for South Korean companies involved in the venture.
The visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Czech Republic and the 10th anniversary of their “strategic partnership.” Discussions are expected to enhance cooperation, including strengthening joint responses to North Korea’s nuclear threats.
Kim Tae Hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, expressed optimism, stating, “We especially anticipate establishing a nuclear power alliance between South Korea and the Czech Republic and further developing a nuclear power partnership with the U.S. in the global nuclear market.”
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was selected as the preferred bidder for the $18 billion Dukovany project in July. Since then, high-level talks have continued, with key South Korean officials, including Policy Chief Sung Tae Yoon and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk Geun, visiting the Czech Republic as special envoys, while Czech National Security Advisor Tomáš Pojar visited South Korea for consultations.
During his visit, Yoon plans to engage directly with political and business leaders, including President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, to affirm the South Korean government’s commitment to the success of the Czech nuclear power initiative. A large delegation from South Korea’s nuclear sector, including representatives from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, will join him in exploring broader cooperation in areas ranging from construction to nuclear waste management.
On Friday, Yoon and Pavel will visit Plzeň, located about 90 kilometers from Prague, to inspect one of the Czech Republic’s leading nuclear power equipment manufacturing companies. In addition to nuclear power, the two countries plan to actively seek cooperation in industries such as future vehicles, batteries, hydrogen, and advanced robotics, establish a foundation for trade and investment cooperation, and support Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Korea-Czech Business Forum, co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Czech Chamber of Commerce, and the Czech Confederation of Industry, is scheduled for the 20th. This delegation includes the heads of South Korea’s four largest conglomerates: Lee Jae Yong of Samsung Electronics, Choi Tae Won of SK Group, Chung Eui Sun of Hyundai Motor Group, and Koo Kwang Mo of LG Group.
Park Chun Seob, the chief economic advisor to the Presidential Office, highlighted the Czech Republic’s strong manufacturing base, noting, “The Czech Republic has the third-highest shares of manufacturing in its GDP in Europe, and we will establish intergovernmental channels to support cooperation across advanced industries and ensure systematic communication to achieve collaborative results.”
Yoon’s visit is scheduled for four days. He is scheduled to depart on Thursday and arrive in Prague, the Czech capital, on the same day. Yoon will engage in both one-on-one and expanded discussions with Pavel, concluding with a joint press conference to announce the outcomes of their meetings. This visit marks the first time a South Korean president has visited the Czech Republic in nearly nine years since former President Park Geun Hye’s trip in 2015.
Most Commented