Turkey Visit PM Kim: "'World's Longest' Suspension Bridge, a Monument to Infrastructure Cooperation Based on Bilateral Trust"

Photo provided by the Prime Minister's Office

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Kim Boo-kyum, Prime Minister of South Korea, who is visiting Turkey, met with Turkish President Erdogan on the 18th (local time) and said, "Let us continue comprehensive cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy, society, and culture."

On the same day, Prime Minister Kim attended the opening ceremony of the ?anakkale Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge jointly constructed by Korean and Turkish companies, at the invitation of President Erdogan, and made these remarks.

In his congratulatory speech, Prime Minister Kim stated, "The ?anakkale Bridge, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey (2023), is a monument to infrastructure cooperation achieved based on long-standing trust between the two countries," and emphasized, "It is expected to become Turkey's economic artery as an international hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, and will greatly contribute to increasing human and material exchanges in the region."

He added, "Like the two main towers that achieved the feat of being the longest in the world, the two countries will be strong pillars promoting exchanges between East and West."

The ?anakkale Bridge, built in northwestern Turkey, is the world's longest suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Korean companies DL E&C and SK Ecoplant, together with Turkish companies, constructed it over more than five years. The total project cost amounts to 3.1 billion euros (approximately 4.2 trillion won).

The length between the main towers, called the main span, is a measure of technological capability for suspension bridges. The ?anakkale Bridge's main span of 2,023 meters surpasses Japan's Akashi Kaiky? Bridge's 1,991 meters after 24 years. Korean companies are responsible not only for construction but also for planning, financing, and operation (operated for 12 years before transferring to the Turkish side).

President Erdogan responded, "The only countries capable of completing such a massive project in a short time are Turkey and South Korea, connected by strong trust," and said, "Let us achieve joint economic prosperity through further cooperation."

Taking the opportunity of attending the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Kim met with President Erdogan, delivered a letter from President Moon Jae-in, and exchanged views on the mutually beneficial development direction of bilateral relations marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of establishing a strategic partnership.

Previously, after President Erdogan's visit to South Korea in 2018, President Moon's reciprocal visit was planned but did not materialize due to the COVID-19 situation and other factors.

President Erdogan mentioned the recent establishment of a battery joint venture factory in Europe by SK On and Turkish companies and expressed hope that investment cooperation between the two countries would further expand, including ventures into third countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.