Slovakia and South Korea have strengthened their economic ties by signing key memoranda on cooperation in energy, trade, and investment support.
The agreements were signed during a visit by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková to Seoul, where they held discussions with South Korean officials and business leaders.
Ahead of the trip on Friday, Fico described the visit as “one of the most important I have ever taken as prime minister” as he sought to explore the possibility of South Korean investment in the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia.
According to Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy, memorandums of understanding were signed with South Korea’s Ministry of Commerce, emphasizing future collaboration in the energy sector and broader economic cooperation.
During their visit, Fico and Saková met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to discuss bilateral relations and explore potential investments.
On the construction of a new nuclear reactor in Jaslovské Bohunice, Fico revealed the leaders had “found common ground” during negotiations.
The visit also included a tour of Hyundai Mobis’ research and development headquarters, underscoring Slovakia’s strategic role in the automotive sector. Hyundai Mobis, a sister company of car manufacturer Kia, produces automotive components near Žilina, Slovakia. Mobis recently announced plans to invest €180 million in a new factory near Nováky, which will manufacture electric motors for cars, further enhancing Slovakia’s position as a hub for the automotive industry.
Prime Minister Fico also revealed that a South Korean company, linked to the automotive supply chain, is set to establish operations in the Upper Nitra region of Slovakia, further boosting local industry.
Fico emphasized the importance of diversifying Slovakia’s international relations, noting in a statement that “Slovakia must make policies for all four sides of the world.”
He criticized the European Union for being too inward-looking, suggesting that it had “fallen in love with itself” and neglected other global opportunities.
Fico has another planned visit to China next month, continuing his push for broader international engagement.
