President Lee Myung-bak on Wednesday discussed with visiting Malaysian King Mizan Zainal Abidin bilateral cooperation on nuclear energy development and cultural exchanges, Lee’s office said.

Malaysia plans to build two atomic power plants by 2021 in a bid to reduce its dependence on natural gas and petroleum. Japanese companies recently decided to give up their bid for the nuclear power plant project in Malaysia, raising Korea’s chances of winning.

Lee asked Mizan to continue protection of Korean residents in Malaysia and support of Korean businesses.

“Malaysia has recently shown its national competitiveness by successfully overcoming the latest global economic crisis,” Lee was quoted as saying during the talks by a Cheong Wa Dae official.

“There is a need to strengthen bilateral cooperation for development of energy including atomic energy and personnel exchanges.”

Mizan congratulated Korea on its successful bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, and expressed hope to expand tourism and cultural ties between the two countries, according to Cheong Wa Dae.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the development of bilateral cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1960.

Lee and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak exchanged state visits in December and April, respectively, during which they exchanged views on atomic energy development and diplomatic collaboration between Korea and ASEAN.

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)