THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Netherlands and South Korea are stepping up cooperation in the field of semiconductor chips as part of a deepening “strategic partnership,” caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said Wednesday.

The leader of the Netherlands gave a speech following a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during his two-day official trip. Their discussion took place one day after Yoon’s visit to the main office of semiconductor chip equipment manufacturer ASML.

Rutte stated that our nations will increase collaboration in this area, which is a hopeful endeavor and, in my opinion, mutually beneficial.

During the visit, the South Korean nuclear power company KHNP agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the potential construction of two new nuclear power plants in the southern Dutch town of Borselle. The Dutch government also announced that U.S. company Westinghouse and France’s EDF will be signing similar contracts in the near future.

The only nuclear power station in the Netherlands is located in Borselle, near the border with Belgium and the North Sea coast.

Dutch Minister of Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, stated that nuclear energy is a crucial step towards a carbon-neutral energy system. He announced plans for the building of two additional nuclear power plants, with three potential parties conducting technical feasibility studies in the next year.

In a statement, Economic Affairs and Climate Minister Micky Adriaansens announced that the Netherlands and South Korea will be enhancing their collaboration in the fields of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, mobile communications, and quantum research.

Less than a month ago, Yoon’s visit resulted in an agreement to enhance trade and defense relations with the United Kingdom.

Source: wral.com