In a televised statement on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his capabilities to "set goals, vigorously pursue them," and stressed Russia's support for him.

Putin adds that "Russia is ready to provide materials for Turkey's reconstruction after earthquakes." 

The president revealed that he discussed increasing agricultural product supplies with Erdogan, doing everything possible to meet Turkey's natural gas needs, and providing Turkey with material for reconstruction after the devastating earthquakes. 

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Putin calls Akkuyu NPP key project of Russia, Turkey

Putin said that Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project is a key project of Russia and Turkey, which allows for the development of economic and neighborly ties between the countries.

During a video conference with Erdogan, Putin emphasized that "this is a flagship project, it brings both mutual economic benefits and certainly contributes to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between our two states, which is based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect for and consideration of each other's interests."

Erdogan mentioned on Thursday at the nuclear fuel loading ceremony at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant that Turkey has become a state with nuclear energy, albeit with a delay of 60 years.

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He added that "with the delivery of nuclear fuel to our power plant by air and sea, Akkuyu acquired the status of a nuclear facility."

"The European Commission has recognized nuclear energy as ‘green energy’ and eliminated the hesitation," Erdogan said, adding that with Akkuyu, Turkey became a part of the development. "Our country, albeit with a delay of 60 years, is joining the club of the nuclear powers of the world."

Moreover, all blocs of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP) will be put into operation by 2028, Erdogan said during the fuel loading ceremony at the NPP. "All units of the power plant will be put into operation gradually until 2028. This power plant will provide 10% of electricity consumption in our country," Erdogan said at the ceremony.