In brief
In a statement to Reuters, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan indicated that South Korea might partner with Turkey on its planned Sinop nuclear power station, following discussions with Korea Electric Power Corporation. He emphasized that Ankara will weigh financing, electricity costs and wider economic benefits, while also calling for deeper trade ties and inviting Korean firms to invest in Turkey’s transport and logistics corridors. The comments come as Erdogan prepares to meet South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung during a state visit that includes a summit on joint projects. The move could further diversify Turkey’s nuclear supply sources and spur new technology collaborations in defense, semiconductors, AI and robotics.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Reuters that South Korea could become a partner in Turkey’s planned Sinop nuclear power station, after a briefing with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) about technical and economic terms. The comments were made during an interview with Yonhap News Agency, reported on Monday by Reuters, as Erdogan prepared to enter South Korea for a state visit that will last three days.
In Ankara, officials said the country has been studying the black‑sea project’s financing, electricity costs and overall economic benefit before choosing a potential partner. Erdogan highlighted that these studies are part of a broader effort to diversify Turkey’s nuclear energy sources, as the country has yet to build a commercial plant. He also referenced possible collaboration in defense, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Trade, investment and strategic ties
Erdogan underscored the need for more Korean investment in Turkey and called for joint production ventures. He noted that the two nations are working toward a $15 billion bilateral trade target, while urging measures to address the trade imbalance that favours South Korea. Erdogan further invited Korean companies to consider participation in Turkish transport and logistics projects that would link Asia and Europe.
During the planned summit with South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung on Tuesday, Ankara’s leaders will discuss the framework for a potential partnership in the Sinop project and broader economic cooperation. This meeting will be the first joint presidential meeting between the two leaders since Lee entered office in 2022.
The announcement comes amid a broader geopolitical context where Turkey seeks to strengthen ties with advanced economies in technology‑heavy sectors and expand its nuclear procurement options beyond traditional partners. South Korea’s experience with nuclear plants and its emerging expertise in semiconductors and robotics positions it as an attractive partner in Turkey’s diversification strategy.
