South Korea, Czech Republic leaders discuss economic cooperation expansion after nuclear plant deal

South Korean and Czech leaders on Wednesday discussed ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation following a recent nuclear plant export deal, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

During a phone conversation with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said the $18.6 billion agreement lays the groundwork for increased bilateral economic cooperation.

On June 4, the state-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) signed the final contract to build a nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic, following the lifting of a court injunction that had previously blocked the deal.

It was South Korea's first overseas nuclear power plant contract since 2009.

"The leaders committed to working closely to broaden this collaboration beyond nuclear energy to include high-tech industries, infrastructure, and energy, aiming for comprehensive cooperation across a wide range of sectors," South Korea's presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters.

In their first official conversation, Lee and Fiala welcomed the signing of the final contract for the nuclear power plant construction project and expressed hope that it would serve as a foundation for stronger economic ties.

Lee also requested that the Czech government support approximately 100 Korean companies operating in Europe.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of South Korea and the Czech Republic's diplomatic relations, as well as the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Earlier, the European Commission requested that the Czech Republic put the deal with KHNP on hold while it investigated whether the company received foreign subsidies that could distort the EU market.