Erdogan, Putin agree to continue Turkey's nuclear development, improve economic relations

"With the opening of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, we will also take steps together to open some new power plants," Erdogan said after his meeting with Putin.Follow us on GoogleTurkish President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, September 1, 2026.(photo credit: Murat Cetinmuhurdar/Turkish Presidential Press Office/Handout via REUTERS)SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 10:55Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted on Tuesday the recent development of Turkey's first nuclear project, saying that Moscow plans to continue developing the nuclear and economic ties between the two nations.During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, Putin pointed out the strong relations between his country and Turkey, while also saying that one of the main shared projects between the countries is the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant."Joint projects continue to be implemented. One of them is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. You have set a target of commissioning the first unit of the plant this year. This will happen," Putin told Erdogan.What is Turkey's nuclear project?Developed by Russian state-owned corporation Rosatom, the plant is located on the Mediterranean coast in Mersin Province. It is Turkey's first and main nuclear project, with the four power units expected to have a total capacity of 4,800 MW using VVER-1200 reactors, which would represent 10% of Turkey's entire energy consumption.Erdogan also addressed the nuclear project, saying that Turkey plans to build more power plants with Russia in the future. "With the opening of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, we will also take steps together to open some new power plants. We are in the midst of these preparations," he said.Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan September 1, 2026. (credit: Sputnik/Kristina Solovyova/Pool via REUTERS)According to the statements by the two heads of state, outside of the energy sector, the main focus for developing relations will be on agriculture and tourism, with Russian tourists being among the most important visitors to Turkey, according to Erdogan.Along with both heads of state, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Ibrahim Kalin, also attended the meeting.Russia expands relations with IranDuring the SCO summit, Putin also met with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked the Russian leader for Moscow's position on the war in Iran and the resulting sanctions.Both presidents said that together, Moscow and Tehran can resist what he called US "unilateralism."During the meeting, Putin told Pezeshkian that Moscow stood in solidarity with the Iranian people in the fight for their interests.Putin also said that Russia and Iran will maintain their economic and trade relationship despite the current military and political environment.“During this difficult period, we are striving to provide you with the necessary assistance - as we have discussed - and are supplying you with essential goods,” Putin said.Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.Follow us on Google