Erdogan and Putin discuss ties at Bishkek summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin held closed-door talks Tuesday in Bishkek, with both leaders highlighting the strength of bilateral relations and major joint projects.
The meeting took place at the Ala Archa State Residence on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit.
The talks lasted about 90 minutes and were attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Erdogan praises ties with Moscow
Erdogan said Türkiye-Russia relations had reached their most advanced level, stressing the importance of maintaining close dialogue between Ankara and Moscow.
“Türkiye-Russia relations are truly at a much more advanced level today than in any previous period,” Erdogan said during the meeting.
He also highlighted the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as a key project in bilateral cooperation, saying construction had entered its final stage.
Erdogan said the launch of Akkuyu's first unit would open the way for further cooperation on nuclear power projects.
Putin calls Türkiye privileged partner
Putin described Türkiye as one of Russia's “privileged partners” in both foreign policy and economic affairs.
He said economic cooperation remained strong, attributing the high level of bilateral ties in part to Erdogan's attention to the relationship.
Putin also said Moscow and Ankara were continuing to implement major joint projects, including the Akkuyu nuclear plant.
He said Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom remained on schedule to launch the plant's first unit this year.
Tourism and wider cooperation
Putin also pointed to potential for expanded cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields.
He said the number of Russian tourists visiting Türkiye continued to rise, reaching nearly 7 million in 2025.
The meeting came as leaders gathered in Bishkek for the SCO summit, which marks the organization's 25th anniversary and includes member states and invited partners.
Source:AA
