President Lee Jae-myung held his first summit with Czech President Petr Pavel at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York on the 23rd (local time), discussing cooperation on nuclear power plants as well as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and the defense industry. Following the signing of the final contract for the "Dukovany new nuclear power plant" in June, the two countries are expanding cooperation into strategic industries. With defense industry demand growing amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, expectations have risen that the Czech Republic, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member facing U.S. pressure to increase defense spending, will emerge as a big buyer of "K-defense."
After delivering his keynote address to the U.N. General Assembly that afternoon, Lee met Pavel in the speaker's office at U.N. headquarters. Lee noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of Korea-Czech diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of establishing a strategic partnership, saying, "I am very pleased that our bilateral relationship has made remarkable progress." He added, "Since our two countries share a commonality in that citizens have defended democracy, I hope to develop our relationship based on these similarities and shared values."
The two leaders primarily exchanged views on the construction of the new Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic, for which the final contract was signed in June. Referring to the contract, Pavel said it was "based on the Czech Republic's high evaluation of the outstanding capabilities of Korean corporations."
He also noted Korea's role as the U.N. Security Council president for the month of September, saying, "Amid changes in the international community, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation among democratic countries that share values." He added, "I hope to visit Korea if the opportunity arises."
Lee responded, "The Czech side has actively supported the investment activities of Korean corporations," adding, "I hope bilateral cooperation will expand beyond nuclear power to semiconductors, electric vehicles, and the defense industry, and develop on a mutually beneficial basis." Welcoming Pavel's intention to visit Korea, Lee said, "I look forward to continued exchanges between our leaders and deeper cooperation so our bilateral ties can advance further."
◇ First summit with Uzbekistan, proposes cooperation on transportation, infrastructure, and critical minerals
Lee also held his first summit since taking office with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev that day. The Presidential Office said the two leaders agreed to further elevate their "special strategic partnership" and to strengthen communication and cooperation to that end. In particular, they mentioned the more than 170,000 Koryoin in Uzbekistan who serve as a bridge in bilateral relations, asking for continued interest and support for them.
He also proposed cooperation in supply chain sectors. Lee said, "I hope to expand economic cooperation between Uzbekistan, which has rich mineral resources and the region's largest population and thus strong growth potential, and Korea, which has excellent technological prowess." He said expanding cooperation in supply chain areas such as transportation and infrastructure—including railways, airports, and roads—and critical minerals would produce great synergies, adding, "Let's continue our joint efforts to achieve this."
As Korea considers hosting a "Korea-Central Asia Summit" next year with the leaders of five Central Asian countries participating, the Presidential Office said the two leaders agreed to continue close coordination and communication on all matters, including finalizing the schedule and agenda.