Seoul:Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an increase in joint defense projects with South Korea, emphasizing the shared perspectives of the two nations on global matters.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, during a joint news conference with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Erdogan highlighted the success of existing collaborations like the Firtina howitzers and Altay tanks. He expressed the need to expand these partnerships and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in a dynamic and forward-looking manner.

The discussions between the leaders also covered enhancing bilateral trade from $11 billion to a target of $15 billion. Erdogan mentioned efforts to update the Free Trade Agreement in line with current conditions and to initiate joint projects with Korean companies in markets where Turkey holds a strong presence.

Cooperation in nuclear energy and mining was another significant topic, with Erdogan pointing out a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2025 between the Turkish Nuclear Energy Company and Korea Electric Power Corporation as a pivotal foundation for future collaboration. Erdogan expressed confidence that recent agreements between the energy ministries of the two nations would further this cooperation, particularly in advanced technology sectors such as battery production, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors.

Erdogan also noted plans for special events next year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Turkey and South Korea. He emphasized the influential roles both countries play in their respective regions and globally, advocating for continued dialogue to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Erdogan concluded by reaffirming Turkey's commitment to strengthening relations with South Korea and thanked President Lee for his contributions to bilateral ties.

In a move to fortify their partnership, Turkey and South Korea signed four memoranda of understanding to enhance cooperation in science, technology, innovation, natural resources and mining, energy, and nuclear power project financing. These agreements were formalized by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, along with South Korean ministers and officials.