South Korea eyes Saudi nuclear plant deal: report

South Korea is looking to cooperate with Saudi Arabia and build the Kingdom's first nuclear power project, Yonhap agency reported on Tuesday, citing a statement of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

South Korea hopes to export its nuclear technology to the world’s top oil exporter, following a similar deal inked with the United Arab Emirates in 2009.

"The government will actively push for nuclear energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia as part of its broader support for the peaceful use of nuclear power," the ministry said.

Last week, Saudi Arabia said it planned to launch a tender for its first nuclear reactors as early as next month. The Kingdom would contact potential vendors from a number of countries including South Korea, France and China, Reuters reported.

The nuclear power plants will have an initial electricity generating capacity of up to 2.8 gigawatts (GW).