During an official visit to the Czech Republic on September 19, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague to discuss enhancing cooperation across various sectors, particularly focusing on nuclear energy. The two leaders explored ways to further develop their strategic partnership, emphasizing collaboration on nuclear power projects.
Yoon’s visit came shortly after North Korea revealed details about its uranium enrichment facility, signaling its intent to expand its nuclear arsenal.
At a news briefing in Seoul, Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo quoted President Yoon Suk Yeol as expressing South Korea’s strong commitment to the joint nuclear project in Czechia. Yoon said that “Team Korea” will actively collaborate to ensure that the nuclear power plant construction in Dukovany supports the mutual economic growth of both nations. He urged for Czech support in finalizing the contract between companies from both countries.
Czech President Petr Pavel reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his administration’s eagerness to involve South Korea in the project. He highlighted the potential for this collaboration to advance the bilateral relationship. Both leaders also discussed opportunities for broader cooperation in strategic areas such as tech industries, science and technology, clean energy, and diplomacy.
In the extended discussions, President Yoon also addressed concerns about North Korea’s nuclear activities, stating that South Korea is not pursuing its own nuclear arsenal. Instead, he emphasized strengthening deterrence through cooperation with the United States to effectively counter the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
Yoon also pointed to the trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, which was strengthened during the Camp David Summit last year. This partnership aims to improve regional security, enhance military exercises, and deepen economic ties, with a focus on maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing concerns about China’s influence.
Following the summit, President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to nuclear energy development between South Korea and Czechia.
In a joint news conference, he mentioned that if the nuclear plant project in Dukovany proceeds, both nations would cooperate closely in all design and construction phases. Yoon highlighted the potential for a “nuclear alliance,” which would extend beyond technology to include training nuclear plant personnel.
The two leaders also addressed global security issues, particularly North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and growing military ties with Russia. President Yoon condemned the North Korea-Russia partnership as “reckless and irrational provocations” that endanger regional peace.
Both South Korea and Czechia expressed their support for Ukraine, with the nations’ foreign ministers signing an agreement to collaborate on future reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
