Erdogan Visits Seoul to Discuss Sinop Nuclear Project
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Seoul to negotiate a nuclear energy partnership and expand bilateral trade and technology cooperation with South Korea.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Seoul on Monday for a three-day state visit to strengthen political and economic ties with South Korea. Accompanied by a delegation of ministers, Erdogan was welcomed at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam before his scheduled summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday.
A primary objective of the visit is the development of the planned Sinop nuclear power station on the Black Sea. Erdogan identified South Korea as a potential partner for the project following preliminary feasibility studies conducted by the state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. However, he noted that the final decision depends on financing, electricity costs, and national interests.
Beyond nuclear energy, Erdogan is seeking expanded cooperation in defense—specifically regarding the PD170 turbodiesel aircraft engine—as well as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and robotics. He also urged South Korean investment in transport and logistics infrastructure to establish alternative trade routes between Asia and Europe. The two nations are currently working toward a $15 billion bilateral trade target, though Erdogan called for measures to address a trade imbalance that currently favors South Korea.
