Putin changed his mind about going to the opening of Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey – Media

According to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Russian counterpart will attend the event via video link, although local media had previously announced that the Kremlin chief would make a full-fledged visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the opening of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey’s Gulnar city, but will attend via video link. This was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to local TV channel TRT Haber on Wednesday, April 19th.

Erdogan, “Mr. Putin will attend the ceremony with a video conference. The first power plant will start producing electricity. Ten percent of our country’s electricity will be provided from this power plant.”

Putin was expected to directly attend the ceremony of loading nuclear fuel at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

According to the Turkish President, the nuclear power plant will block natural gas imports. The nuclear power plant, which will be put into operation with a difference of one year, has a total of 4 power units. Ankara expects this to bring 6.5 billion dollars to the country’s economy.

Turkish media announced Putin’s visit to Türkiye

On March 27, the Turkish edition of DikGazete reported that Vladimir Putin’s visit to Turkey was scheduled for April 29. Then the media detailed the program of the visit of the Russian president:

  • Discussing the issues of Russian-Turkish partnership;
  • earthquake site visit and iftar with earthquake victims (dinner during Ramadan);
  • Putin’s official congratulations on the arrival of Ramadan;
  • Joint opening of the first block of Akkuyu nuclear power plant.

Erdogan, however, was not so sure about his colleague’s visit on March 30. According to local media reports, the Turkish leader said Putin would either come or attend remotely via video conference.

Akkuyu NPP construction in Turkey

On March 10, 2021, the Presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin, and on March 10, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, started the construction of the third unit of Akkuyu NPP by teleconference.

Akkuyu NPP is being built according to a Russian project, which includes the construction and commissioning of four power units with VVER-1200 reactors. The agreement for the construction of the station was signed in May 2010. The station is expected to produce 10% of the country’s total energy needs.

Recall, on April 18, Russian media reported that the Direct Line with Russian President Vladimir Putin is tentatively scheduled for June 8 this year and will be held in Gostiny Dvor.

Source: Focus

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