Park calls for support for S. Korea's participation in Vietnam's nuclear power plant project

South Korean President Park Geun-hye asked Tuesday for Vietnam's support for South Korea's participation in the Southeast Asian nation's nuclear power plant construction project, her office said.

Park made the remark in a meeting with Vietnam's National Assembly Speaker Nguyen Sinh Hung, saying South Korea can be a good partner for the country's nuclear power industry, according to presidential spokeswoman Kim Haing.

Vietnam is seeking to build 10 atomic power plants by 2030.

"I understand that Vietnam has a lot of interest in the nuclear power industry," Park was quoted as saying. "South Korea is making a lot of investments in the development of nuclear power plant technologies while putting in a great deal of effort to strengthen safety."

Park also said Vietnam is Seoul's most important partner for official development aid.

Hung said in response that he is well aware that South Korea has high levels of nuclear power plant technologies and that he is grateful for Parks' offer to cooperate with the country, according to the spokeswoman.

Park also said that she hopes North Korea will follow in the footsteps of Vietnam and become a responsible member of the international community, saying she is ready to help the impoverished neighbor develop its economy if it gives up its nuclear programs.

Later in the day, Park also met with Li Xiaolin, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and discussed ways to bolster people-to-people exchanges and other projects between the two countries, the spokeswoman said.

(Yonhap News)