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Turkish and Russian parliamentary leaders discussed expanding nuclear energy cooperation and peace efforts in Ukraine during high-level talks in Ankara, with Russia expressing support for Türkiye's planned second nuclear power plant in Sinop.
Turkish Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Fuat Oktay hosted his Russian counterpart, Leonid Slutskiy, head of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee and LDPR leader, in Ankara to discuss strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
Oktay emphasized the two countries' determination to increase trade volume from over $50 billion to $100 billion. "We hope to achieve this as soon as possible. We will evaluate today what we can do in parliaments to encourage governments in this regard," Oktay said.
He noted that mutual direct investments between the countries exceed $10 billion. "When the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is completed, Russia's investment in Türkiye will exceed $40 billion," Oktay stated.
According to detailed figures shared by Oktay with journalists, including TASS correspondents, Türkiye has invested over $3.5 billion in Russia, while Russian investments exceed $7 billion. He added that "Turkish contracting companies have concluded contracts in Russia worth more than $100 billion."
Slutskiy confirmed Russia's support for Türkiye's nuclear ambitions beyond Akkuyu. "Everyone knows about Akkuyu, very soon the first part will be completed and opened. Additionally, Türkiye is considering and negotiating a new nuclear power plant project in Sinop. We are always by your side there," he said.
The Russian official also expressed readiness for cooperation on small modular reactors: "I can declare from here that the Russian Federation's authorized institutions and experts will always be by Türkiye's side regarding small nuclear reactors as a joint work area."
Slutskiy noted President Erdogan's proclaimed course on building small modular reactors (SMR), calling it "an interesting and possible area of cooperation for us."
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Oktay also addressed ongoing energy discussions, referencing statements by both countries' leaders. "Our leaders have made important statements on this matter. It was said that Türkiye continues its efforts to promote Russian natural gas to the European direction. The transit gas hub project in Türkiye is also being considered," he explained.
"Work in this direction continues. We will be able to discuss today what governments can do in this context. Discussions are ongoing in many economic directions. We will have the opportunity to discuss this issue in detail today," Oktay added.
Both officials stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"Intensive work continues between Türkiye, Russia and other countries on what can be done to achieve a cease-fire and lasting peace as soon as possible in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. We will discuss how we can contribute to this through parliamentary diplomacy," Oktay explained.
Slutskiy emphasized the unique role of parliamentarians: "Politicians and sometimes ministers cannot do the things we can do. Parliamentary diplomacy needs to be both deepened and given quality. Indeed, our systematic meetings are a sign of this."
He concluded with a commitment to peace, stating that Türkiye is ready to make every necessary effort and take every step required to achieve global peace, in full cooperation with others.
Russia maintained its position as Türkiye's top tourist source in 2024. "Over 6.5 million Russians visited Türkiye in 2024. Russia sent us the most tourists," Oktay told journalists.
He also mentioned the broader significance by stating: "This is not just an economic relationship, but also a field that makes a very serious contribution to developing relations between the peoples of the two countries. We want to continue and increase this."
Slutskiy also told journalists that bilateral cooperation in trade and economics is developing progressively. "Our cooperation in the trade and economic sphere is increasing. Our trade turnover is slowly but surely growing," he said.
He expressed optimism about infrastructure projects: "I think our interaction will become a significant factor of positive feedback in the development of infrastructurally significant economic projects between our countries. The construction of the Akkuyu NPP holds a special place."
The Russian delegation leader also mentioned Türkiye's interest in additional nuclear projects in Thrace (European Türkiye) and the Black Sea province of Sinop, expressing Russian interest in these initiatives.
Both sides committed to strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue. "We will, as before, act together in the field of parliamentary diplomacy, meet as often as possible so that our joint result is more significant for peace and stability in the region," Slutskiy stated.
The second session covered multiple regional issues. "We will have the opportunity to address in detail the peace negotiations continuing between Azerbaijan and Armenia, recent developments between Russia and Azerbaijan, tensions between Iran and Israel, the Gaza war, and particularly Eastern Europe and the Balkans," Oktay outlined.
Slutskiy acknowledged both countries' diplomatic efforts: "Our two countries have made a serious contribution to resolving the conflict around the Gaza Strip and the recent Iran-Israel conflict, which essentially has not yet fully calmed down."
He emphasized the importance of regional stability, calling it a "vitally important issue". He stressed the need to move toward peace and stable cooperation in the central and southern parts of Greater Eurasia.
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