President Yoon Suk Yeol wrapped up his trip to the Czech Republic on Saturday, solidifying South Korea's bid for a nuclear power project and paving the way for a nuclear energy partnership with the European nation. Yoon's visit was aimed mainly at helping Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) secure a final contract to build two nuclear power plants in Dukovany after it was chosen as a preferred bidder in July. The trip drew attention as the project faces a legal challenge as U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric filed an appeal with Czech authorities last month, claiming that KHNP's reactor designs are based on its technology. Yoon assured Czech leaders that Seoul and Washington are working to iron out differences over the intellectual property rights, saying he is confident that the legal issue will be resolved amicably similar to how KHNP secured a deal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009. President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala attend a signing ceremony for agreements on nuc lear energy industry cooperation at Doosan Skoda Power, a nuclear energy contractor in Plzen, an industrial city about 90 kilometers west of Prague, on Sept. 20, 2024. (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala attend a signing ceremony for agreements on nuclear energy industry cooperation at Doosan Skoda Power, a nuclear energy contractor in Plzen, an industrial city about 90 kilometers west of Prague, on Sept. 20, 2024. (Yonhap) If finalized, the deal -- estimated at around 24 trillion won (US$17.3 billion) -- will mark South Korea's second nuclear power plant export, following the UAE deal. In meetings with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Yoon highlighted South Korea's strong track record in building nuclear reactors "on time, on budget" and pledged support for a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. "Should a deal be struck and construction begin, South Korea will work together with the Czech Republic in all procedures involv ing the design and construction of nuclear reactors," Yoon said during a joint press conference with Pavel on Thursday. The Czech leader voiced optimism about finalizing the contract with KHNP and welcomed the involvement of local companies, expecting it to boost the nation's nuclear energy industry. Pavel expressed hope for forging a long-term partnership with South Korea through the Dukovany nuclear plant deal, potentially eyeing teaming up for future projects in European countries like Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) shakes hands with Czech President Petr Pavel during a joint press conference at Prague Castle in the Czech Republic on Sept. 20, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) shakes hands with Czech President Petr Pavel during a joint press conference at Prague Castle in the Czech Republic on Sept. 20, 2024. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) To lay the foundation for cooperation, the two countries signed several agreements covering the entire nuclear energy cycle, including construction, operation, maintenance, nuclear fuel management and waste disposal. Accompanied by business leaders from major companies, including Samsung, Hyundai Motor, LG and SK, Yoon said during a business forum that the collaboration could serve as a key milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties in a broad range of fields, in batteries, vehicles, robotics and artificial intelligence. On Friday, Yoon and Prime Minister Fiala visited Doosan Skoda Power and JS Skoda, two nuclear energy companies in Plzen, an industrial city located about 90 kilometers west of Prague, reaffirming their commitment to build a nuclear energy partnership. Lee Jae-yong (R), chairman of Samsung Electronics, talks with Euisun Chung, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, during a business forum involving business leaders of South Korea and the Czech Republic in Prague on Sept. 20, 2024. (Yonhap) Lee Jae-yong (R), chairman of Samsung Electronics, talks with Euisun Chung, chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, during a busi ness forum involving business leaders of South Korea and the Czech Republic in Prague on Sept. 20, 2024. (Yonhap) Seoul's efforts to secure the deal represent a significant boost for South Korea's nuclear industry after setbacks during the previous Moon Jae-in administration's nuclear phase-out policy, and raise the prospect of future agreements in Europe where demand for carbon-free nuclear power has grown. Last week, South Korea's nuclear watchdog approved the construction of the Shin-Hanul 3 and 4 reactors about eight years after KHNP's request for the permits. "The construction of (the Shin-Hanul 3 and 4 reactors) means the full recovery of the nuclear energy ecosystem and is the strongest testament of South Korea's unwavering nuclear policy," Yoon said in an interview with Czech newspaper Hospodarske Noviny. South Korea currently operates 26 atomic power plants, which supply about 30 percent of the nation's electricity. The number is expected to rise to 30 when the construction of four more reactors is completed. Source: Yonhap News Agency