Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for stronger political and economic ties with South Korea, setting a $15 billion bilateral trade target and identifying defence, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy as key areas for cooperation.

In an interview with South Korea's Yonhap News Agency ahead of his visit to Seoul at the invitation of President Lee Jae-myung, Erdoğan said his primary objective was to strengthen political dialogue and revitalise economic relations between the two countries.

He described Türkiye-South Korea relations as rooted in a longstanding friendship forged during the Korean War, saying mutual trust and brotherhood had remained central to bilateral ties.

"Our primary objective during our visit to Seoul is to enhance political dialogue between our nations and revitalise our economic ties," Erdoğan said, adding that the two countries should translate their economic potential into concrete projects, expand reciprocal investment and strengthen industrial cooperation.

He said the two sides aimed to increase bilateral trade to $15 billion while developing a more balanced trade structure and expanding cooperation in production.

Sinop nuclear power plant talks continue

Erdoğan said Türkiye was continuing negotiations with South Korea on the planned Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, highlighting Seoul's experience in nuclear energy.

Following a memorandum of understanding signed last year, Türkiye conducted preliminary feasibility studies with South Korea's state-run Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), he said.

The two sides are evaluating the project's technical and economic feasibility, financing arrangements and investment strategy, Erdoğan added.

"The cost of power generation, how the investment will be funded, and the benefits the project would bring to Türkiye's economy will all be important considerations in the ultimate decision," he said.

Erdoğan noted that Türkiye was also holding discussions with other countries, adding that all options would be assessed in line with its national interests.

Erdoğan highlights trade imbalance

The Turkish president pointed to a significant imbalance in bilateral trade, saying Türkiye exported approximately $1.14 billion worth of goods to South Korea in 2025 while importing $10.26 billion.

"We want to narrow this gap and establish a more balanced and sustainable trade structure," he said.

Erdoğan said Türkiye's manufacturing capacity, skilled workforce and strategic location offered significant opportunities for South Korean investors.

He cited Hyundai's automotive manufacturing operations in Türkiye and POSCO's investments in the steel sector as examples of existing cooperation. He also welcomed Hyundai's launch of electric vehicle production at its facilities in İzmit.

Other areas offering potential for expanded cooperation include electronics, semiconductors, machinery, industrial automation, robotics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and renewable energy, he said.

Erdoğan also highlighted South Korea's interest in the PD170 engine developed by Turkish engine manufacturer TEI, a subsidiary of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

He called for greater Korean investment in Türkiye, stronger partnerships between companies from the two countries and increased cooperation in joint production and technology development.

Türkiye seeks Korean participation in transport projects

Erdoğan also highlighted the importance of developing alternative trade routes amid security challenges in the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on maritime traffic, which he said were affecting global energy markets and international trade.

"The current crisis has once again demonstrated just how vital it is to develop reliable alternative routes for international trade," he said.

Erdoğan said Türkiye was strengthening its position as a transport and logistics hub between Asia and Europe through infrastructure investment.

He called for greater participation by South Korean companies in Türkiye's regional transport and logistics projects, including railway infrastructure, logistics centres and intelligent transport systems.

Türkiye was ready to support Korean companies seeking to invest, establish production facilities and create jobs in the country, he added.

Erdoğan said he expected his visit to Seoul to pave the way for concrete steps to deepen cooperation across political, economic and technological fields. (ILKHA)