South Korea and Czech Republic Agree to Strengthen Strategic Partnership, Including Nuclear Cooperation

On September 20th, South Korea and the Czech Republic agreed to enhance their bilateral relationship, including cooperation in nuclear energy, during South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s official visit to the Czech Republic.

President Yoon and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala met in Prague, where they issued a joint statement outlining plans to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. This agreement coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Czech Republic, and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership established between the two nations.

The joint statement emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to advance their cooperation in six key areas: nuclear energy, trade and investment, science and technology, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was a discussion about the potential for further collaboration on nuclear projects. With the final contract for a Czech nuclear power plant project expected in March 2025, both leaders expressed optimism about the favorable environment for successful cooperation in this sector.

The agreement also touched on expanding strategic cooperation in international affairs, focusing on global challenges such as the threat to a rules-based international order, violations of international law, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, supply chain disruptions, energy crises, climate change, and cybersecurity threats.

The leaders exchanged views on regional security, discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Both sides reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.

Additionally, the meeting covered several other aspects of the bilateral relationship, such as science and innovation, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in quantum technologies, nanotechnology, fusion energy, and robotics.

In the area of economy and trade, South Korea and the Czech Republic agreed to enhance cooperation in electric vehicles, batteries, hydrogen, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. They also committed to holding regular meetings between their economic teams and to exploring opportunities in high-speed rail infrastructure.

Both countries look forward to deepening their partnership through the newly established "2025-2027 Action Plan," which aims to implement the vision of closer cooperation across various sectors, including security, trade, and scientific research.

With the foundation for a stronger relationship laid, the future looks promising for South Korea and the Czech Republic as they move forward in their strategic partnership.