President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to visit the Czech Republic this week to strengthen South Korea's efforts to secure a major nuclear energy project and enhance economic relations with the European nation. During his four-day trip, Yoon will engage in discussions with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala to expand collaboration in nuclear energy, trade, investment, technology, and other areas. This visit is significant as it follows the selection of a consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power as the preferred bidder for constructing two nuclear power units at the Dukovany site, and marks the first official visit by a South Korean president to the nation in almost nine years. The primary objective of Yoon's trip is to reaffirm South Korea's dedication to the successful execution of the Czech nuclear project, which is anticipated to finalize the selection of a winner by the first quarter of 2025, and to establish the groundwork for creating a "nuclear energy alliance" between the two countries. The trip also aims to focus on securing the Czech Republic's cooperation and support to ensure the smooth progress of the Czech nuclear power plant construction project until the final contract is signed next year, with a delegation of officials from the nuclear energy sector accompanying Yoon to explore opportunities for cooperation in the full nuclear energy cycle. Additionally, Yoon is set to inspect nuclear energy contractors in Plzen and participate in a bilateral business forum with leaders from prominent South Korean companies to discuss several agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in advanced technology and rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine. Trade between South Korea and the Czech Republic has been growing steadily, with South Korea being the fourth-largest investor in the Czech Republic and over 100 Korean companies currently operating in the country.