Türkiye's Erdogan, Russia's Putin discuss strategic projects and trade goals

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday to discuss bilateral and global issues in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where leaders have gathered for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

"We have discussions (with Russia) on the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, I believe we can take serious steps on that matter," Erdogan said, referring to a planned power plant in Türkiye's Black Sea region. It would be Türkiye's second nuclear plant, after one in southern Türkiye, and its second plant built through a partnership with Moscow.

The Turkish president expressed confidence in reaching the ambitious trade volume goal of $100 billion, citing strong potential for growth in bilateral relations.

Putin, for his part, said that "despite all challenges, the relationship between Russia and Türkiye is progressing step by step."

He highlighted the progress in their "strategic projects" and noted record-breaking tourism numbers, with 6.7 million Russian tourists visiting Türkiye last year.

Erdogan invited Putin to visit Türkiye, and the Russian leader affirmed his intention to make the trip in the near future.

The Sinop plant is a proposed nuclear power plant in Sinop in Türkiye's Black Sea region.

It is set to be the country's second nuclear project after the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, southern Türkiye, currently being built by Russia.