Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Monday that his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Ankara centered on enhancing defense industry cooperation and exploring opportunities in clean energy initiatives.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the establishment of a clean power plant, emphasizing the significance of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Korea Electric Power Corporation and the Turkish Nuclear Energy Corporation. The two leaders also concurred on counterterrorism measures.
The dialogue between the presidents spanned various sectors, including trade, tourism, energy, technology, and investments. Both Erdogan and Lee expressed a commitment to continuing collaboration within international platforms like the UN, G20, and MIKTA. The discussions underscored the potential of artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and renewable energy technologies, with new agreements on wind energy and blood plasma cooperation.
Erdogan welcomed Hyundai's investment in electric vehicles in Izmit and reiterated support for Korean businesses in Turkey. He emphasized the shared perspectives on counterterrorism, noting active defense projects such as the Altay tank. Expressing satisfaction with the visit, Erdogan remarked on its role in strengthening Turkey-South Korea relations.
Ankara envisions collaboration with Seoul in regions including Iraq, Africa, Central Asia, and the reconstruction efforts in Syria and Gaza. Both nations advocate for maintaining the Gaza ceasefire and a two-state solution, with Erdogan advocating for international recognition of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.
Erdogan also affirmed Turkey's continued diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maintaining a consistent stance on promoting negotiations.
The meeting concluded with a dinner in President Lee's honor, attended by Turkish veterans of the Korean War. Lee expressed optimism about the future of the strategic partnership between Turkey and South Korea, emphasizing its enduring legacy.
Earlier, Erdogan officially welcomed President Lee at the Presidential Complex, followed by bilateral and delegation meetings.