Putin and Erdogan Meet in Bishkek as Akkuyu Nuclear Plant’s First Unit Set to Launch This Year

Dragon Media News Desk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Türkiye as one of Russia’s privileged partners in both foreign policy and the economic sphere, saying major joint projects between the two countries are progressing according to plan.

Speaking at the beginning of a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Bishkek on September 1, Putin said the two leaders had not met in person for some time, although bilateral relations had remained under close review through regular contacts.

Putin said the Russia-Türkiye Intergovernmental Commission was working actively and that economic cooperation remained at a high level, crediting Erdogan’s personal attention to the development of bilateral ties.

Highlighting major joint projects, Putin pointed to the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant under construction in Türkiye. He said the first unit of the plant would be launched in 2026 and that Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom was proceeding according to schedule.

Putin also said there was considerable potential for expanding cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. According to him, nearly seven million Russian tourists visited Türkiye in 2025.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral economic cooperation, energy, tourism and other regional and international issues of mutual interest.