The head of the French nuclear power company Areva says South Korea was prepared to do whatever was needed to win a contract to build plants in the United Arab Emirates.

Areva Chief Executive Anne Lauvergeon made the statement during an interview with the French daily “Le Monde” on Tuesday. Her remarks were the first to be issued in regards to the matter since the United Arab Emirates last month picked a South Korean consortium over Areva for a 40-billion-dollar deal for plants.

Lauvergeon was quoted as saying that South Korea was ready to “do anything” in terms of price and state financing.

She added that the strengthening of the euro against the dollar caused a 15 percent increase in the cost of Areva's bid from the start of the bidding process two years ago until now.

Areva said the United Arab Emirates elected to go with the cheaper offer presented by South Korea.