Indonesia, South Korea to discuss nuclear cooperation

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

JAKARTA, Dec 1 (Reuters) South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun is expected on Monday to sign an agreement with Indonesia on nuclear energy cooperation, Jakarta's foreign affairs spokesman said.

Roh and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will also discuss oil and gas cooperation, although there were no plans to sign any specific deals, spokesman Desra Percaya told reporters.

Asked whether South Korea would help build Indonesia's first nuclear reactor, Percaya told a weekly briefing today: ''The memorandum of understanding will not go into too many specifics like the development of a nuclear installation.'' ''The cooperation will touch on issues like technology transfer and knowledge of safety procedures,'' he added.

Nuclear power provides a substantial source of energy in South Korea, which imports all of its oil and liquefied gas.

According to the London-based World Nuclear Association, South Korea currently has 20 nuclear reactors providing some 40 per cent of the country's electricity.

OPEC member Indonesia is keen to diversify its energy sources and has been eyeing the nuclear energy option.

South Korea is a major buyer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Indonesia, which has talked about keeping more for itself to meet its own energy needs.

The leaders of both countries will also witness the signing of agreements on tourism, forestry investment and anti-corruption partnerships, the spokesman said. Yudhoyono shelved a plan to visit Seoul in July due to North Korea's missile tests, which ratcheted up tensions on the peninsula.

REUTERS PDM VV1548

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