Türkiye and Korea will cooperate in artificial intelligence

Türkiye and South Korea are preparing to expand their cooperation in advanced technology fields, especially artificial intelligence, semiconductors and defense industry. During President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to Seoul on November 2-4, four memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries, ranging from science and technology to nuclear energy.

At the joint press conference held with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Erdogan said that they attach great importance to cooperation with Korea in advanced technology fields, including battery production, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Lee also announced that the two countries will work together in the field of artificial intelligence.

What's on the AI ​​and chip side?

The signed Science, Technology and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding creates the framework for joint R&D projects of the two countries. In his interview with Korea's Yonhap agency before the visit, Erdoğan listed electronics and semiconductor technologies, robotics, biotechnology and medical devices as important opportunity areas for Korean investors. He added that the combination of Korea's experience in technology and innovation with Türkiye's production power could bring greater success.

A specific investment amount or a project on a company basis has not been announced yet. It is expected that the scope of the cooperation will be clarified with the working groups to be established after the signed documents.

PD170 engine stood out in the defense industry

The most striking topic on the defense side was the PD170 engine developed by TAI's subsidiary TEI. Erdogan said that they were pleased with the strong interest shown by South Korea in this engine. PD170 is a domestic turbodiesel aircraft engine developed for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Erdoğan also emphasized that the number of projects carried out jointly by the two countries, such as the Fırtına howitzer and the Altay tank, should be increased. Lee stated that they decided to deepen defense industry cooperation.

Nuclear energy and the 15 billion dollar target

Another technology topic of the visit is nuclear energy. Pre-feasibility studies are being carried out with the Korean Electricity Company KEPCO for the nuclear power plant planned in Sinop; A memorandum of understanding regarding the financing of the nuclear power project was also signed during the visit. Erdoğan said that the cost and financing model will be decisive in the final decision.

The two countries have set a target of 15 billion dollars in trade volume. According to 2025 data, Türkiye's exports to Korea are at the level of 1.14 billion dollars, and its imports from Korea are at the level of 10.26 billion dollars.