South Korea and Turkey have agreed to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, defense manufacturing and infrastructure following a summit between their leaders in Seoul.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks on November 3, 2026, agreeing to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The summit took place during Erdogan’s three-day state visit to South Korea, his first visit to the country since 2018.
The discussions covered several industries that could shape the future of economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.
South Korea Seeks Role in Turkey’s Nuclear Power Project
One of the main topics was Turkey’s planned nuclear power plant project in Sinop.
South Korea is seeking to participate in the project, which is expected to involve the construction of four nuclear reactors.
President Lee said discussions regarding South Korea’s participation were progressing smoothly.
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Turkey’s nuclear energy company previously signed a memorandum of understanding in 2025 to explore cooperation on the project. The two sides have since begun a preliminary feasibility study.
During the November 3 summit, the countries also signed an additional memorandum of understanding on financial cooperation to support South Korean companies seeking to participate in the project.
However, South Korea’s participation in the construction project has not yet been finalized.
Defense Industry Cooperation to Expand
Defense manufacturing was another major area of discussion.
The two governments agreed to broaden cooperation in joint manufacturing, technological development and potential exports to third countries.
South Korea and Turkey already have experience working together in the defense sector, including cooperation involving military vehicles and defense equipment.
The latest agreement aims to build on these existing projects and create further opportunities for companies in both countries.
The leaders also discussed cooperation in biotechnology, energy, natural resources and artificial intelligence.
Bilateral Trade Target Reaches 15 Billion USD
Economic relations were another important part of the summit.
According to President Erdogan, bilateral trade between South Korea and Turkey currently stands at approximately 11 billion USD.
The two countries reaffirmed their goal of increasing annual bilateral trade to 15 billion USD while maintaining a more balanced and sustainable trading relationship.
They also discussed updating their free trade agreement to reflect changing economic conditions and opportunities for cooperation.
The relationship between the two countries extends beyond trade. Turkey fought alongside South Korean forces during the 1950–1953 Korean War, creating a historical connection that both leaders referenced during the summit.
A New Chapter in South Korea–Turkey Relations
The summit represents an effort by Seoul and Ankara to expand their partnership beyond traditional trade into strategic industries.
Nuclear energy, defense manufacturing and infrastructure could provide opportunities for South Korean companies seeking international projects.
However, the agreements announced at the summit primarily establish directions for future cooperation. Individual projects, contracts and investment decisions will require further negotiations.
With both governments seeking closer economic and technological ties, South Korea and Turkey are looking to develop a broader partnership ahead of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2027.
Source: Yonhap News Agency
Additional Sources: Reuters
Category: Business
Published: November 4, 2026