S. Korea seeks role in possible Saudi nuclear reactor project

01/11/2014 08:54 AST

Mohamed Al-Jasser, minister of economy and planning, said South Korea will be one of the countries to be invited to the Kingdom if Saudi Arabia pursues a project to build nuclear reactors, according to South Korea’s presidential office.

Al-Jasser made the comment in a meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Park’s office said in a report published by Yonhap news agency.

Park called for support from Saudi Arabia so that South Korea can participate in a project to build nuclear reactors, citing South Korea’s technological prowess and an ongoing project in the UAE.

South Korea is building four nuclear reactors in the UAE under a $40 billion contract signed in 2009. The deal marked South Korea’s first and, so far, only export of its nuclear reactors. Al-Jasser came to South Korea along with two other top economic officials to attend a joint business forum.

Park is set to meet with Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, at the upcoming summit of the Group of 20 advanced economies in Brisbane, Australia, on Nov. 15-16.

Park said she is also planning a visit to the Kingdom next year.

During the talks, Park also called for expanding economic ties with Saudi Arabia, saying the two countries should seek exchanges in new areas such as health, ICT and renewable energy.

“Until now, our countries have cooperated closely in the energy and construction sectors, but I hope (the two countries) will seek ways to further expand cooperation in various areas, such as health and medical services, ICT, human resources development and especially in renewable energy, including nuclear power,” Park said, according to her office.

Park also expressed hope that the two countries would open a “new horizon” for bilateral cooperation through various exchanges.

The Saudi minister praised South Korea for its achievements, saying the country has set an example that many would like to follow.

Arab News