South Korea and Bulgaria Renew Nuclear Collaboration Amid Economic Expansion

South Korea and Bulgaria have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on a new nuclear power plant project in Bulgaria and discussed ways to expand bilateral economic ties at a joint committee meeting, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.

The third meeting of the South Korea-Bulgaria Joint Economic Committee was held in Sofia on Monday, co‑chaired by Park Jong‑han, deputy minister for economic affairs, and Krasimir Yakimov, the Bulgarian deputy economic minister, according to the ministry.

The meeting marked the first gathering of the committee in seven years, following the previous session in Seoul in September 2019. The inaugural meeting was held in Sofia in September 2015.

During the latest talks, the two sides reviewed the progress of bilateral economic cooperation and discussed ways to expand collaboration in trade and investment, defense, nuclear energy and various other fields.

Both countries agreed that the successful implementation of Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant project would mark an important milestone in bilateral economic cooperation.

South Korean major builder Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. is participating in the project to build two new reactors as part of a consortium with U.S. energy firm Westinghouse Electric Co.

South Korea pledged to work closely to ensure progress. The collaboration comes at a time when Bulgaria’s nuclear program is expanding after a long hiatus of several decades.

The meeting also opened dialogue on opportunities to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in defense, transportation, science and technology, and digital industries.

Both parties expressed a continued desire to strengthen trade ties, increase investment flows, and explore joint research initiatives across these sectors.

The joint economic committee’s agenda reflects a coordinated response to global economic changes, with particular emphasis on technology transfer, security cooperation, and clean energy solutions.

The Kozloduy project is central to Bulgaria’s energy strategy, providing a steadier, low‑carbon electricity supply as the country works to meet European climate targets.

South Korea’s involvement underscores the nation’s expanding role in international clean‑energy infrastructure, while the partnership enhances Bulgaria’s nuclear technology capabilities.

This partnership highlights the importance of multilateral efforts in delivering large‑scale renewable and nuclear projects that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

With the committee’s renewed focus, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to a constructive relationship that includes shared economic goals, shared technological innovation, and shared environmental stewardship.

Officials indicated that the decision to include Samsung newcomers SUV models, and to avoid setting a 5-year overdue limit on such policies, would be discussed in future meetings to further sustain joint innovation and economic progress.