{"id":38628,"date":"2026-11-04T07:53:29","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T05:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=38628"},"modified":"2026-11-04T07:53:51","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T05:53:51","slug":"south-korea-and-turkiye-agree-to-expand-nuclear-energy-defense-and-infrastructure-cooperation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/south-korea-and-turkiye-agree-to-expand-nuclear-energy-defense-and-infrastructure-cooperation\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea and Turkiye agree to expand nuclear energy, defense, and infrastructure cooperation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Seoul on November 3, 2026. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meeting resulted in several cooperation agreements, including a new memorandum of understanding on nuclear project financing aimed at supporting South Korean companies seeking to participate in Turkiye\u2019s planned nuclear power projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two leaders also agreed to strengthen joint defense production, pursue exports to third countries, improve economic ties and coordinate on regional security issues, including the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine and the Middle East. Erdogan\u2019s visit marked his first state visit to South Korea since 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nuclear energy was one of the main subjects of the summit, with South Korea seeking a role in Turkiye\u2019s planned construction of four nuclear reactors in Sinop, on the Black Sea coast. Turkiye is also considering the construction of four additional reactors in the Thrace region as part of its efforts to expand domestic electricity generation and reduce dependence on imported energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">President Lee said cooperation on the Sinop project was progressing smoothly, including site assessments and the work of a joint working group established under a nuclear cooperation memorandum signed in November 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During his visit to Ankara last year, Lee oversaw the signing of an agreement between Turkiye\u2019s state nuclear energy company, TUNAS, and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to strengthen cooperation in nuclear technology and project development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building on that agreement, the two countries signed a new memorandum of understanding on nuclear project financing during Erdogan\u2019s visit. The agreement, signed by the Export-Import Bank of Korea and Turkiye\u2019s state nuclear energy company, establishes a framework for exchanging strategic information, assessing potential financial support and identifying financing opportunities for nuclear projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement is intended to improve the prospects of South Korean companies participating in Turkiye\u2019s new nuclear power developments. South Korea is competing to secure a role in the Sinop project, which would become Turkiye\u2019s second nuclear power plant after Akkuyu, currently under construction in Mersin.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">President @RTErdogan, who is paying a visit to the Republic of Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung, was welcomed with an official ceremony in Seoul. https:\/\/t.co\/DSfdG81pPw<\/p>&mdash; Presidency of the Republic of T\u00fcrkiye (@trpresidency) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/trpresidency\/status\/2117532338049495499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">November 3, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><br><strong>Expanding Defense Industry Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Defense cooperation was another major focus of the summit, with both countries seeking to build on existing joint projects and expand their defense industries into new markets. Lee said the two sides had agreed to strengthen joint production, technological cooperation and efforts to pursue defense exports to third countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Erdogan highlighted the Altay main battle tank and F\u0131rt\u0131na self-propelled howitzer as examples of successful cooperation, calling for more joint projects. The Altay tank, which has benefited from South Korean technology, has entered mass production with an initial batch equipped with a South Korean-made powerpack consisting of an engine and transmission. T\u00fcrkiye is developing its own BATU powerpack for subsequent production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cooperation has also expanded beyond land-based systems. In July 2026, the two countries held a joint defense industry and logistics committee meeting to identify additional areas of cooperation. They also signed a letter of intent on naval cooperation in September, opening the way for closer collaboration in maritime defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest agreements build on efforts to increase joint production and technology sharing while helping companies from both countries compete for contracts in international markets. Lee said the two governments would identify new areas of defense cooperation based on the progress already achieved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on major road infrastructure projects in Turkiye under an agreement signed last year. South Korean companies have maintained a presence in the Turkish market for decades, particularly in automotive manufacturing and railway development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hyundai has operated a vehicle manufacturing plant in Turkiye since 1997, with an annual production capacity of approximately 200,000 vehicles. Hyundai Rotem has also supplied railway vehicles for projects in Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya, and is seeking further opportunities in the country&#8217;s railway projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond traditional infrastructure, the two governments agreed to broaden cooperation in biotechnology, energy, science and technology, natural resources and mining. They signed memorandums of understanding covering scientific and technological innovation, natural resources and mining, and energy cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"584\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?resize=1016%2C584&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, South Korea\" class=\"wp-image-38640\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?resize=1024%2C589&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?resize=300%2C173&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?resize=768%2C442&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?resize=1536%2C884&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-leaders.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, South Korea, on November 3, 2026. (Image Credit: Presidency of the Republic of T\u00fcrkiye\/via X\/@trpresidency)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the energy agreement, the countries will establish a Korea-Turkiye Energy Transition Forum to promote collaboration in clean energy, hydrogen and renewable energy. The science and technology agreement also provides a framework for cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced telecommunications and advanced materials, with plans to hold the first meeting of a joint science and technology committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The natural resources and mining agreement is intended to establish an intergovernmental channel for cooperation, encourage investment and strengthen technological collaboration. Lee said the initiative would also help diversify critical mineral supply chains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Trade Target and Economic Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Economic relations were also high on the summit agenda, with both leaders seeking to increase bilateral trade from approximately $11 billion to their previously agreed target of $15 billion. Erdogan also called for an update to the free trade agreement between the two countries to address outstanding trade issues and improve market access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The existing free trade agreement entered into force in 2013, and bilateral trade has expanded significantly since then. According to South Korean trade statistics, bilateral trade surpassed $10 billion for the first time in 2023 and reached a record $10.7 billion in 2025. However, Turkiye has continued to raise concerns about a persistent trade imbalance that favors South Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At a bilateral trade committee meeting in June 2026, Ankara proposed revising tariff concessions or considering other measures to reduce its trade deficit. South Korea, meanwhile, raised concerns about Turkish import restrictions and customs clearance delays affecting its companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lee said the two governments would work through these issues, including the trade imbalance, import restrictions and customs procedures, to create a more stable business environment. They also agreed to address difficulties faced by South Korean nationals seeking work permits in Turkiye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around 80 officials and business executives from both countries attended a state dinner following the summit. Among them were Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung and POSCO Group Chairman Chang In-hwa, reflecting the importance of private-sector participation in expanding bilateral economic ties.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?resize=1016%2C669&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung observe the agreement signing between the two countries\" class=\"wp-image-38643\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?resize=1024%2C674&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?resize=300%2C197&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?resize=768%2C505&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Turkiye-South-Korea-agreement.jpg?w=1192&amp;ssl=1 1192w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung observe the agreement signing between the two countries in Seoul, South Korea, on November 3, 2026. (Image Credit: Presidency of the Republic of T\u00fcrkiye)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Regional Security and Diplomatic Coordination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The leaders also discussed regional and international security developments, including Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and tensions on the Korean Peninsula. They agreed to maintain close communication and strengthen cooperation to support peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lee said Turkiye had reaffirmed its consistent support for South Korea&#8217;s policy toward North Korea. Both governments also agreed to coordinate their diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussions came three days after Erdogan met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, where they discussed prospects for renewed peace negotiations to end Russia&#8217;s war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two countries also agreed to expand coordination through multilateral organizations and platforms, including the United Nations, the Group of 20 (G20) and MIKTA, a partnership comprising Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkiye and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lee said the summit had reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and trust between the two countries, rooted partly in Turkiye&#8217;s participation in the 1950\u20131953 Korean War. He pledged to work closely with Erdogan to implement the agreements and translate them into practical results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The summit marks a broader effort by Seoul and Ankara to strengthen their strategic partnership, extending cooperation beyond established defense and infrastructure projects into nuclear energy, advanced technology, critical minerals, and international security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Seoul on November 3, 2026. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear energy, defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38642,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[124,44,1],"tags":[137,380,6,208,134,108,71,113,95,235,296,82,540],"class_list":["post-38628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia-pacific","category-middle-east","category-news","tag-asia","tag-asia-pacific","tag-defense","tag-diplomacy","tag-economy","tag-nuclear","tag-politics","tag-security","tag-south-korea","tag-technology","tag-trade","tag-turkey","tag-turkiye"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-a32","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/South-Korea-Turkiye-leaders.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38628"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38655,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38628\/revisions\/38655"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38642"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}