South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a summit at the Blue House on November 3, agreeing to enhance practical cooperation in strategic areas between the two countries. This marks Erdoğan's first state visit to South Korea in eight years since 2018.
In a joint press conference following the meeting, President Lee stated, "The Republic of Korea exists today thanks to the 21,000 Turkish soldiers who fought for our freedom and peace during the Korean War," adding that they agreed to further expand cooperation based on their deep friendship and trust forged in blood.
President Erdoğan echoed this sentiment, noting, "The sacrifices made by brave soldiers 76 years ago have developed our blood alliance," and mentioned that they discussed ways to advance their strategic partnership into the future.
The two leaders focused on achieving concrete results in key strategic sectors, including nuclear energy, defense, and infrastructure.
They signed a new 'MOU on Nuclear Project Financing' to support Turkey's Sinop nuclear power plant construction, building on an existing MOU signed last November. This agreement establishes a government-level financial support framework for South Korean companies participating in Turkey's new nuclear projects.
In the defense sector, they agreed to continue and develop successful collaborations, including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and Altay tank. President Lee announced plans to expand joint production and technology cooperation and explore joint ventures in third countries. Erdoğan emphasized the need to further expand joint projects in the defense industry, a key area of cooperation.
In infrastructure, they committed to ongoing collaboration on major road projects in Turkey based on existing MOUs.
Economically, they agreed to steadily increase trade and investment. Bilateral trade has consistently risen since the Korea-Turkey Free Trade Agreement (FTA) took effect in 2013, surpassing $10 billion for the first time in 2023, with last year's figure reaching a record $10.7 billion since diplomatic relations were established.
To achieve their previously set trade target of $15 billion, they agreed to address issues such as trade imbalances, import restrictions, and customs delays. Erdoğan noted that they focused on revising the FTA to suit current conditions. Additionally, both governments will continue to cooperate on resolving labor permit issues for their nationals, and they agreed to proceed smoothly with SK Plasma's participation in Turkey's blood product self-sufficiency project (plasma fractionation plant establishment).
Future cooperation will also be significantly expanded. A new 'Korea-Turkey Energy Transition Forum' will be established to enhance collaboration in clean energy, hydrogen, and renewable energy. They will also hold the first joint science and technology committee based on an 'MOU on Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation' to foster collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced communications, and advanced materials. Erdoğan highlighted the importance of cooperation in South Korea's advanced technologies, including batteries, AI, and semiconductors. Furthermore, they signed an 'MOU on Natural Resources and Mining Cooperation' to actively promote diversification of critical mineral supply chains.
In the diplomatic and security realm, President Lee reaffirmed Turkey's consistent support for South Korea's North Korea policy. Erdoğan also expressed support for a dialogue-centered approach to achieving lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The two leaders discussed major international issues, including the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation to uphold a rules-based international order in multilateral forums such as the UN, G20, and MIKTA. They also plan to hold various special events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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