Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday emphasized his commitment to advancing defense industry cooperation with South Korea during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Ankara. The discussions between the two leaders centered on enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in defense, and were marked by mutual agreements and shared objectives.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Erdogan highlighted the ongoing discussions with relevant institutions about establishing a clean power plant, describing the memorandum of understanding signed between the Korea Electric Power Corporation and the Turkish Nuclear Energy Corporation as a significant milestone. He also noted the alignment between the two nations on counterterrorism efforts.
The meeting also explored cooperation across various sectors, including trade, tourism, energy, technology, and investments. Both presidents expressed their commitment to continuing collaboration through international platforms such as the UN, G20, and the cross-regional consultative platform MIKTA.
Erdogan pointed out the potential in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, battery technology, and renewable energy, referencing new agreements on wind energy and blood plasma cooperation. He welcomed Hyundai's investment in an electric vehicle facility in Izmit and reiterated Turkiye's support for Korean companies operating in the country.
The Turkish president emphasized the shared views of Ankara and Seoul on counterterrorism and highlighted ongoing defense projects, including the Altay tank. He praised Lee, who assumed office in June, for his resilience and leadership, earning the respect of the Korean people.
Erdogan expressed satisfaction with the South Korean presidential visit, the first in many years, and stated that it further strengthened the ties between Turkiye and South Korea.