Yoon Requests 'Semiconductor and Nuclear Power' Cooperation from Dutch Prime Minister

Yoon "ASML Investment Contributes to Stability of Korean Supply Chain"

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is visiting Spain to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, is holding a Korea-Netherlands summit with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at a hotel in downtown Madrid on the 29th (local time).

(Madrid, Spain = Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan) President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is staying in Madrid, Spain to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, met with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the 29th (local time) to discuss cooperation in advanced technologies such as semiconductors. At this meeting, President Yoon requested a stable supply of equipment for Korean semiconductor companies.

During the talks, the two leaders welcomed the activation of bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies and future industries, including semiconductors. In particular, President Yoon expressed expectations that investments by Dutch semiconductor companies such as the global semiconductor equipment firm ASML would contribute to establishing a stable supply chain, and requested a stable supply of equipment for Korean semiconductor companies. In response, Prime Minister Rutte evaluated that complementary cooperation is taking place between the two countries in the semiconductor sector.

Discussions on nuclear power cooperation also took place. President Yoon conveyed his hope that Korean companies, which possess world-class safety standards and price competitiveness, can contribute as the Netherlands pursues policies to expand the share of nuclear power, including new nuclear power plant construction. The two leaders agreed to advance working-level consultations to realize the potential for cooperation in the nuclear power sector between the two countries.

The North Korean nuclear issue was also addressed. President Yoon explained the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, including concerns about the possibility of North Korea’s seventh nuclear test, and emphasized that the Korean government will respond firmly to North Korean provocations. In response, Prime Minister Rutte reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for the Korean government’s North Korea policy.

Additionally, the two leaders exchanged views on solidarity in values such as liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Rutte extended an invitation for a state visit from King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and President Yoon responded that he hopes to visit the Netherlands at a mutually convenient time.