The South Korean government representative for Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation emphasized the country's commitment to non-proliferation and showcased its private sector's capabilities during an international meeting in Paris.
In a recent international conference held in Paris, Im Gap-soo, the representative of South Korea in nuclear cooperation negotiations with the United States, underscored the nation's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and highlighted the capabilities of its private sector in nuclear power development. The event, known as the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit, included representatives from 40 countries advocating for the introduction and expansion of nuclear energy. Im stressed that South Korea adheres to principles of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is committed to ongoing collaboration with the international community, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He also plans to meet with the U.S. negotiation team in the near future to discuss strategies regarding uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Prior to the summit, Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin had a conversation with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, on the need for continued communication regarding future discussions on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines and addressing North Korea's nuclear issues. The participation of countries including China, Japan, and Ukraine at the summit indicates a broader international interest in nuclear energy development and safety. Im Gap-soo emphasized South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear power capabilities, explaining that recent decisions to construct two large nuclear power plants and one small modular reactor (SMR) reflect a strategic intent to strengthen the supply chain encompassing design, manufacturing, construction, and operation, thereby enhancing export competitiveness.
Highlighting the challenges posed by climate change, energy security, and the rising demand for electricity in the age of artificial intelligence, Im declared nuclear energy as a vital source that can achieve both climate change mitigation and energy security. This position aligns with a global trend towards recognizing nuclear energy as an essential component of sustainable energy solutions amidst geopolitical instability in regions such as the Middle East.
