Ankara – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a new era of cooperation with South Korea, focusing on defense industries and nuclear energy, during a joint press conference with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Ankara. The announcement signals a deepening of strategic ties between the two nations.
President Erdogan emphasized that discussions with President Lee centered on concrete steps to advance joint ventures in the defense sector. He noted that consultations between relevant Turkish and Korean institutions are ongoing regarding the potential construction of a nuclear power plant.
“The Altay tank project is a prime example of successful collaboration with our strategic partner, South Korea, in critical defense industry projects,” stated Erdogan. This existing partnership provides a strong foundation for future endeavors.
Further solidifying this commitment, Turkish nuclear energy company TUNAS and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on nuclear energy projects. President Erdogan, present at the signing ceremony, hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in discussions regarding the construction of a nuclear power plant in Turkey.
Beyond defense and energy, President Erdogan expressed confidence that President Lee’s visit would strengthen the already robust relationship between Turkey and South Korea. He highlighted comprehensive discussions covering all aspects of bilateral relations, including opportunities for cooperation in trade, tourism, infrastructure, technology, and reciprocal investments. South Korea is currently Turkey’s second-largest trading partner in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Erdogan noted that joint efforts have propelled bilateral trade beyond $10 billion, with the two nations approaching a target of $15 billion. This economic partnership underscores the mutual benefits of closer ties.
On the Palestinian issue, President Erdogan affirmed that both Turkey and South Korea advocate for a two-state solution, a ceasefire, and an end to the killing of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state.
