Lee, Erdogan agree to strengthen cooperation in nuclear power plants, defense industry

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a deal on Tuesday to bolster their countries' collaboration in key sectors like nuclear power plants and defense manufacturing, during a summit in Seoul. This agreement followed their prior discussions in Ankara last November. Erdogan made a three-day state visit to South Korea, his first since 2018.

Addressing a joint press conference, Lee expressed optimism about expanding bilateral cooperation, grounded in the strong friendship and trust established due to historical ties, such as Turkish soldiers fighting alongside South Korean forces during the 1950-53 Korean War. The agreement focuses on strategic industries, particularly nuclear power plants, defense manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Turkey's project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop, where South Korea is considering participation, has seen smooth progress, with KEPCO and the Turkiye Nuclear Energy Company signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in 2025. The two sides also established another MOU for financial assistance to South Korean firms aiming to secure the project.

In defense, both nations agreed to enhance cooperation in joint manufacturing, technology collaboration, and exploring new markets, expanding beyond their ongoing collaborations on tanks and naval vessels. Lee also highlighted future growth areas, such as biotechnology, energy, natural resources, and AI, as sectors where the two countries will deepen their partnership.

On security, Seoul and Ankara pledged to enhance strategic collaboration to ensure peace on the Korean Peninsula and maintain stability in international security. Lee emphasized that the summit reinforced their robust friendship and trust, marking a significant milestone for bilateral relations.