Czech envoy signals confidence in Korean nuclear deal

President Yoon Suk-yeol shakes hands with Czech National Security Advisor Tomáš Pojar at the Presidential Office on the 4th. [Courtesy of the Presidential Office]

A special envoy from the Czech Republic expressed confidence that South Korea will win an order from the Czech government to build two nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic. The remarks, made during the envoy’s visit to Korea, sent a signal that the government supports Korea despite complaints from France and the United States about the bidding results for a recent deal.

Czech National Security Adviser Tomáš Pojar said in his meeting with Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol that the Czech government is eager to enhance comprehensive cooperation with Seoul, not only in nuclear power but also across various sectors, including industry, investment, defense, and research and development (R&D). He added that he has confidence that a final contract to build a new nuclear power unit at its Dukovany plant would be signed with Korea.

The Czech anti-monopoly office UOHS said on Tuesday it began official proceedings on appeals from the U.S.’ Westinghouse and France‘s EDF against the choice of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Company as the preferred bidder to build two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic.