Russian President Vladimir Putin, joined by ministers and representatives of various Russian companies, visited Ankara this week with a busy agenda. He and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed their bilateral gas pipeline project and held a groundbreaking for the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey’s Mersin province, and there were multiple ministerial meetings within the Russia-Turkey High-Level Cooperation Council.
Putin received a majestic welcome on his arrival April 3. Turkey is the first country he visited after his re-election March 18, which many in Russia and Turkey viewed as an expression of deep respect for Ankara.
Energy and military cooperation dominated the program of the presidential and ministerial talks. The meeting of the High-Level Cooperation Council culminated with dozens of agreements being signed. The Russian Direct Investment Fund signed a co-investment agreement with Turkey’s Sovereign Wealth Fund. Corresponding agencies of the two countries signed memorandums of cooperation in information technology, physical fitness and sports, social policy, and the rights of women, families and children. The countries discussed designating 2019 as a cross-cultural year.
The visit centered on the $20 billion Akkuyu nuclear power plant on the Mediterranean. The two leaders witnessed the groundbreaking via videoconference, with both emphasizing the project's importance for Turkey’s economic development and energy security, and for further bilateral cooperation.
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