Saudi Arabia's energy minister 'optimistic' about S Korea's bid for nuclear project

SEOUL: Saudi Arabia's energy minister Khalid Al Falih said Friday that he is "optimistic" about South Korea's chance of being included in the shortlist for a nuclear project in the Middle Eastern nation.

Al Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia, made the remark during a four-day visit to South Korea to meet with senior government and industry officials to expand bilateral cooperation in the energy and auto sectors.

When asked whether South Korea can be included on the shortlist, Al Falih said, "I hope so."

Paik Un-gyu, South Korean minister of trade, industry and energy, said he expects the Saudi government to announce the list of preferred bidders "within two weeks," without elaborating on details of the ongoing process.

Earlier in the day, the two ministers held a meeting to discuss ways to for "Saudi Vision 2030." Under the economic blueprint, the Middle Eastern kingdom has been pushing to reduce its heavy reliance on oil exports, foster new industries and fundamentally reform its economic structure.