Erdogan Signals Possible South Korean Partnership in Turkey’s Nuclear Project
South Korea could become a partner in Turkey’s planned Sinop nuclear power plant project, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.
He made the remarks in an interview with South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency on Monday (November 2). According to Reuters, the two countries are holding discussions on a possible partnership in the project.
Mr Erdogan said Turkey was discussing the technical and economic aspects of the Sinop nuclear power project with South Korea’s state-run Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). However, Ankara will consider the project’s financing, electricity generation costs and overall benefits to the Turkish economy before selecting a final partner.
Mr Erdogan is scheduled to arrive in Seoul on Monday for a three-day state visit. It will be his first visit to South Korea since 2018. During the visit, he will hold a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday (November 3). The presidential office in Seoul has confirmed the meeting.
In his interview with Yonhap, Mr Erdogan identified defence technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics, alongside nuclear energy, as promising areas of cooperation between the two countries. He called for increased South Korean investment in Turkey and greater cooperation in joint production.
Mr Erdogan also said the two countries were working towards a bilateral trade target of $15 billion. However, as the current trade balance favours South Korea, he called for initiatives to narrow the gap.
The Turkish president also urged South Korean companies to participate in Turkey’s major transport and logistics projects, which connect Asia and Europe.
Source: Reuters
