Turkey and South Korea Deepen Strategic Cooperation

During a joint press conference in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted deepening cooperation in defense, nuclear energy and efforts for stability in Gaza and Ukraine.

Turkey and South Korea deepen strategic ties with new talks on defense, nuclear energy and regional peace efforts.

At the Presidential Complex in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between Turkey and South Korea, emphasizing new areas of cooperation from defense technology to nuclear energy. Both leaders also expressed shared concerns over global crises, calling for sustained cease-fire efforts in Gaza and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Contents hide

1 Defense Cooperation Expands

1.1 Shared Position on Gaza

1.1.1 Collaboration Across Regions

1.2 Lee: “Our Blood-Founded Brotherhood Will Grow Stronger”

Defense Cooperation Expands

Erdoğan stated that the two countries discussed advancing cooperation in the defense industry, noting that new joint steps could be taken with South Korea. He also underlined that consultations on establishing a nuclear power plant between the relevant institutions of both countries are continuing.

Shared Position on Gaza

Speaking on the situation in Gaza, Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey and South Korea support the continuation of the cease-fire, protection of civilians and a two-state solution.

Erdoğan added that Turkey will continue to support all diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a permanent peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including efforts that began in Istanbul.

Collaboration Across Regions

The Turkish president highlighted that Ankara and Seoul could work together not only on Ukraine’s reconstruction but also in Iraq, Africa, Central Asia and other regions.

Lee: “Our Blood-Founded Brotherhood Will Grow Stronger”

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that Turkey and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their “brotherhood founded in blood” and carrying it forward to future generations.

Lee noted Turkey’s strategic importance as a gateway for Korean companies into the European market. He expressed hopes for expanding successful cooperation models similar to the Altay main battle tank project.

He also stressed their determination to deepen joint strategic initiatives in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technology sectors.

Lee concluded by praising Turkey’s efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, saying that Seoul highly values Ankara’s diplomatic initiatives.