Mikhail Margelov, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of Russia:

 — Russia and Turkey have already established close economic relations and the project in Akkuyu will just cement them.

On July 14 the Turkish parliament ratified the Russian-Turkish agreement on construction of the first NPP in the country. The agreement was signed on May 12, 2010 in Ankara. Russia and Turkey will hereunder cooperate in the field of construction and operation of the NPP in Akkuyu in south Mersin province. After entry of this agreement into effect the Russian party will start the project campaign. The future NPP capacity is expected to be 4800 mW that is equal to 14% of todays capacity generated by Turkey

Mikhail Margelov, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of Russia:

Negotiations on this matter between Turkey and Russia were far from simple. But they were a success, the agreement was ratified by the parliament. Victory in the Turkish tender is a great success for Russia, there were world famous companies among the competitors.

The fact that Turkey at last preferred the Russian project is another confirmation of consolidation of the Russian nuclear power industry position.

It should be mentioned that this project is very significant for Turkey too. The country will have the chance to start its own peaceful nuclear program.

Now Turkey deeply depends on external electric energy deliveries. NPP construction is sure to solve this problem. It will be a reasonable ground for further rapprochement of our countries.

Russia and Turkey have already established close economic relations and the project in Akkuyu will just cement them.