(LEAD) Yoon to visit Czech Republic next week to discuss nuclear power project


(ATTN: UPDATES with details on economic delegation at bottom; ADDS photo)
By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) — President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the Czech Republic next week to strengthen bilateral economic ties and solidify South Korea’s bid for a major nuclear energy project in the European nation, his office said Thursday.

Yoon plans to make an official visit from Sept. 19-22 for talks with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to discuss ways to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology and other areas, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said in a briefing.

In July, a consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as a preferred bidder to build two nuclear power units at the Dukovany site.

“As South Korea’s top salesperson, President Yoon will actively pursue sales diplomacy to ensure our companies secure the nuclear power project contract,” Kim said.

“The official visit is expected to lead to the establishment of a nuclear alliance between South Korea and the Czech Republic,” he said.

Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo announces President Yoon Suk Yeol's plan to visit the Czech Republic during a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul on Sept. 12, 2024. (Yonhap)

Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo announces President Yoon Suk Yeol’s plan to visit the Czech Republic during a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul on Sept. 12, 2024. (Yonhap)

The nuclear project, estimated at around 24 trillion won (US$17.3 billion), is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of next year. It will mark South Korea’s second nuclear power plant export, following its 2009 project in the United Arab Emirates.

The trip comes at a time when the project faces a legal challenge as U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric filed an appeal with Czech authorities last month, arguing that KHNP’s reactor designs are based on its technology.

In the Czech Republic, Yoon plans to tour a nuclear energy company and attend signing ceremonies for memorandums of understanding on bilateral economic cooperation across various sectors, including nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology, and supply chain management, Kim said.

Yoon will be accompanied by an economic delegation that includes leaders from major conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Hyundai Motor Group Chair Euisun Chung, according to a senior presidential official.

President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) shakes hands with Czech National Security Adviser Tomas Pojar during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2024, in this photo provided by Yoon's office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) shakes hands with Czech National Security Adviser Tomas Pojar during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Sept. 4, 2024, in this photo provided by Yoon’s office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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