Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Lee discusses cooperation with Czech and Uzbek presidents, UN chief
President Lee Jae Myung and Czech President Petr Pavel shake hands before their summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
NEW YORK CITY — President Lee Jae Myung met with Czech President Petr Pavel at the United Nations Tuesday, holding his first summit with the head of state to discuss broader cooperation, including Korea’s participation in the multibillion-dollar Dukovany nuclear power plant expansion, a project central to the East European country’s long-term energy security.
Opening the meeting, Lee noted that this year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Korea and the Czech Republic.
“I am pleased with the remarkable progress our two nations have achieved. Both our peoples share a history of defending democracy, and I hope to deepen our ties on the strength of those common values,” Lee said.
Pavel noted state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s (KHNP) successful June bid to build new reactors at Dukovany.
“This reflects the Czech Republic’s recognition of the outstanding capabilities of Korean companies,” Pavel stated.
In response, Lee praised Prague’s support for Korean investment and expressed hope that cooperation would expand beyond nuclear energy to include semiconductors, electric vehicles and the defense industry.
For the Dukovany project, KHNP will supply two 1,000-megawatt reactors to the Czech Republic, with the total project value estimated at 407 billion koruna ($19.8 billion).
However, controversy arose last month following media reports that KHNP and Korea Electric Power Corporation had accepted unfair conditions imposed by U.S.-based Westinghouse in order to proceed with the export. The two leaders did not touch on the issue.
President Lee Jae Myung and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev shake hands ahead of their summit at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Tuesday. Yonhap
Lee also held his first summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, exchanging views on strengthening mineral and economic cooperation.
“I hope to expand economic cooperation between our two countries, combining Uzbekistan’s abundant mineral resources and largest population in the region with Korea’s advanced technological capabilities,” Lee said.
He went on to emphasize that if the two nations deepen cooperation in areas such as supply chains for critical minerals, as well as transportation and infrastructure including railways, airports and roads, they could generate significant outcomes. He proposed sustained joint efforts to achieve this.
The two presidents also agreed to work closely together to ensure the successful hosting of the Korea-Central Asia summit, which is being planned in Korea next year. They pledged continued coordination at all levels to finalize schedules, agendas and other key details.
The two leaders had previously spoken by phone on July 24, agreeing to expand practical and mutually beneficial collaboration in transportation and infrastructure.
President Lee Jae Myung shakes hands with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a meeting at U.N. headquarters in New York, Tuesday. Yonhap
Earlier in the day, Lee held talks with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, focusing on global peace initiatives and multilateral cooperation. This marked their second encounter following a brief meeting during the G7 summit in June.
Guterres emphasized that the U.N. would continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the Korean government. He praised Seoul’s North Korea policy as a “wise approach,” pledging the U.N.’s active support and endorsement. He further noted that, in a time of growing division within the international community, Korea has been playing an important role by presenting a balanced and constructive voice at the U.N.
Lee, in turn, commended Guterres for leading the U.N. at the center of multilateral cooperation despite difficult circumstances. Stressing the U.N.’s critical role amid intensifying global conflicts and divisions, Lee underscored that peace and security on the Korean Peninsula are inseparably linked to peace and stability worldwide. He called on the U.N.’s continued support in fostering dialogue and cooperation beyond confrontation.
Before the meeting, Lee paid tribute to Guterres during his keynote address at the U.N. General Assembly, lauding the secretary-general’s “unwavering dedication and hard work” and expressing hope that this year’s Assembly would deliver “even more meaningful outcomes” under his leadership.
Looking ahead, Lee will chair a high-level open debate of the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday (local time), focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on international peace and security. Guterres is also expected to participate in the discussion.