Erdoğan and Putin meet in Bishkek: Akkuyu and new power plant steps on the agenda

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where he traveled for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Summit.

Erdoğan held meetings with numerous heads of state and government as part of his contacts at the summit held at the Iris Ordo Congress Center in Bishkek. One of these contacts was the meeting with Putin.

In a statement made before the meeting, Erdoğan pointed to the level of Turkey-Russia relations, stating that tourism, energy, and agriculture stand out in the cooperation between the two countries.

Touching upon the importance of Russian tourists for Turkey, Erdoğan noted that visitors from Russia hold a significant place in the tourist profile in Antalya.

Evaluating the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Erdoğan emphasized that the project is a special topic in Turkey-Russia relations. Erdoğan said, "We have now entered the completion phase of the Akkuyu Power Plant. We are waiting for the completion of the Akkuyu Power Plant so that we can hold its opening."

President Erdoğan stated that after the opening of Akkuyu, steps toward new power plant projects will also come to the agenda, adding, "With the opening of the Akkuyu Power Plant, we will take steps together for the opening of some new power plants. We have a strong partnership in agriculture and energy."