The foundations of Turkey's first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu were laid by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin via a teleconference from Ankara. "We are witnessing a historic moment both for the development of our country and for our energy cooperation with Russia," the Turkish President said in his speech, while the Russian President said that the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is safe and environmentally friendly. .
In his speech, the Turkish President said that they are carrying out several strategic programs with Russia. "We aim at 2023 in the 100 years of our Republic to be among the 10 largest economies in the world. When Akkuyu operates with all its reactors, we will be able to cover 10% of our country's electricity needs. "In this way, our energy basket, which will still be based on oil, gas and coal, will be healthier," he said. The Turkish President said that they are determined to continue to further strengthen their cooperation with Russia on regional issues.
For his part, the Russian President said in his speech that the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is an important step for the Turkish economy, adding that security measures in Akkuyu are at the highest level, adding that it is an environmentally friendly program. "This program is very remarkable and important. This is not a spectacular ceremony, we are establishing Turkey's nuclear sector. This is a new era, a new step. "We want to ensure the operation of the first energy bloc in 2023," he said, adding that Russia is a leader in this field. He also said that Russia uses the same technology, adding that it will be environmentally friendly and will provide both cheap and clean electricity.
Turkish Energy Minister Berat Albayrak was the first to speak, saying that the Turkish President played the most important role in realizing this dream, adding that this strong co-operation would be the most important reference for future steps between the two countries. . He thanked all the former Ministers and political bureaucrats from 1955 until today who worked on this plan. "We are witnessing a historic moment today," he said.
The Russian President arrived in Ankara with a delay of 15.20 and at 15.50 he was welcomed by the Turkish President with a special ceremony. Vladimir Putin went from the airport to the presidential palace accompanied by a cavalry unit. The national anthems of the two countries were heard in an official ceremony.