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Erdogan, Putin Discuss Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Turkish President Erdogan and Russian leader Putin discussed expanding nuclear energy cooperation at a Central Asian summit, with Turkey seeking Moscow's help to build more atomic plants.

Eleni Papadaki-Van Der Merwe Staff Writer

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 AT 11:08 PM

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, according to Kathimerini (EN). Turkey participates in the ten-nation bloc as a dialogue partner rather than a full member.

Erdogan confirmed that discussions with Putin centered on plans to develop new nuclear power stations in Turkey once the Akkuyu facility becomes operational. The southern Turkish plant represents the country’s first nuclear energy project and is being constructed with Russian cooperation.

The Turkish president characterized bilateral relations between Ankara and Moscow as being at an unprecedented high point, Turkish state broadcaster TRT reported. Erdogan indicated that the two nations would pursue joint steps toward establishing additional power plants following Akkuyu’s launch.

Strategic Partnership Deepens

The meeting underscores the strengthening ties between Turkey and Russia across energy and strategic sectors, despite Turkey’s NATO membership. The nuclear cooperation represents a significant component of the economic relationship between the two regional powers.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where the talks took place, includes India, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full member states. Turkey’s dialogue partner status allows participation in summit activities without full membership privileges.

With information from Kathimerini (EN)

Eleni Papadaki-Van Der Merwe

She was born in 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is the granddaughter of an immigrant from Crete who settled in the Greek community of Johannesburg (one of the largest in Africa). She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg and a master’s degree in Journalism from Rhodes University in Grahamstown. She began her career at English-language media outlets in Johannesburg, covering politics and economics, with a focus on issues related to migration and the diaspora. She moved to Athens in 2015 to “return to her roots,” initially to pursue graduate studies, and has remained there permanently. She is married to an Afrikaner; they have two children and live in the southern suburbs of Athens.