Russia and Turkey on Wednesday signed a joint statement regarding plans to build a nuclear power plant on Turkish soil.
The document was signed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, who is in charge of the energy and fuel sector, and his Turkish counterpart.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, currently on a visit to Moscow, said his country was completing preparations for the signing of a formal agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant on its territory.
He said nuclear cooperation with Russia would proceed through "direct interstate agreements."
He added that "practical results" were expected "in the foreseeable future."
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia had "significant advantages over the competition" for building a nuclear plant in Turkey.
"We provide loans and equipment, and we give local construction companies ... a share of 20-25% or even 30% in the entire volume of contracts," he said. "We provide nuclear fuel and are ready to take back spent nuclear fuel for reprocessing."
"Needless to say, we are expecting a positive decision," Putin said.
Turkey canceled a tender for the construction of its first nuclear power plant late last year, but was expected to announce a new tender for three nuclear power plants later this year.
MOSCOW, January 13 (RIA Novosti)
