Erdogan, Putin forge alliance amid rising tensions
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) within the scope of his contacts at the 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 3, 2024. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met on Wednesday in Astana, Kazakhstan, during a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They discussed various bilateral and global issues, including the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant project in Türkiye’s Black Sea region.
Nuclear talks
President Erdogan expressed optimism about advancing the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant project, which would be Türkiye’s second nuclear plant and the second built in collaboration with Russia, following the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, southern Türkiye.
Trade volume of $100B
Erdogan also emphasized the goal of achieving a trade volume of $100 billion between Türkiye and Russia, highlighting the robust potential for growth in bilateral relations.
President Putin acknowledged the steady progress in relations between Russia and Türkiye despite challenges.
Surge in tourist numbers
Putin also pointed out successful strategic projects and the significant number of Russian tourists visiting Türkiye, which reached 6.7 million last year.
During the meeting, Erdogan extended an invitation to Putin to visit Türkiye, which the Russian leader accepted, indicating his intention to visit in the near future.
The Sinop Nuclear Power Plant project aims to enhance Türkiye’s energy infrastructure, contributing to its energy security and sustainability efforts.
