According to the presidential office, Yoon will visit Prague from Sept. 19 to 22, where he will sit for talks with Czech President Petr Pavel to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation with a particular focus on nuclear energy.
One of the key topics on Yoon's agenda is likely to be seeking support for Korea's bid to participate in the European country's project to build two nuclear power plants in Dukovany.
In July, a Korean consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was selected as the preferred bidder for the project estimated at 24 trillion won ($18 billion). But the project faced a setback as U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric filed an appeal with the Czech government last month, arguing that the Korean consortium's reactors are based on its technology.
As the two countries mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership next year, Yoon's upcoming trip to the Czech Republic, the first by a Korean president since former President Park Geun-hye's visit in December 2015, is expected to provide momentum for elevating bilateral cooperation.
The Yoon government, which approved the construction of new nuclear reactors for the first time in over eight years on Thursday as part of efforts to reverse the previous administration's nuclear phase-out policy, is expected to focus primarily on sales diplomacy.
"As Korea's top salesman, Yoon will actively engage in securing partnerships for nuclear energy projects," a presidential spokesperson said the same day.
Yoon will be accompanied by a large business entourage which includes top executives from major conglomerates such as Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won, LG Group chairman Koo Kwang-mo and Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Eui-sun.
Yoon's itinerary also includes tours of nuclear-related companies, a business forum, and the signing of several memorandums of understanding on bilateral cooperation across various sectors. He will then wrap up his trip by meeting with Korean expats and compatriots there.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
