Putin hails opening of Russian-built nuclear plant in Turkey as 'flagship' project

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed the opening of a Russian-built nuclear plant in Turkey, describing the facility as a "flagship" project that would cement bilateral ties.

Russia's state nuclear energy company Rosatom built the Akkuyu nuclear power plant and Thursday's ceremony saw the first loading of nuclear fuel into the first power unit at the site in Turkey's southern Mersin province.

"This is a flagship project and it brings both mutual economic benefits and, of course, helps to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between our two states," Putin said, joining the official opening of the plant via video conference.

Putin described Akkuyu as "the largest nuclear construction project in the world" and noted that it would mean Turkey having to import less Russian natural gas in the future.

"But Turkey will enjoy the advantage of a country that has its own nuclear energy, and nuclear energy, as you know, is one of the cheapest," he added.

Turkey has maintained relations with Russia during the invasion of Ukraine as Moscow is a key economic partner. 

Ankara has often used this ties to pitch itself as a mediator during the conflict, with close involvement in agreements such as the landmark Black Sea grain deal last year.