MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expects that in the near future the Akkuyu nuclear power plant will be given the status of a strategic investment.

"We expect that in the near future the Akkuyu nuclear power plant will be given the status of a strategic investment," he said at a press conference following the meeting of the Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council.

Putin recalled that the Akkuyu project concerns construction of 4 nuclear power units. Speaking about cooperation in the energy sector, Putin also touched upon the Turkish Stream pipeline project, which can be used to transit gas to Europe.

The Russian leader stressed that both projects meet the highest requirements and are aimed to ensure energy security in the region.

The head of state also said that a Russian-Turkish investment fund with a capital of up to $1 billion was created to stimulate mutual investments.

Summing up today's talks, Putin said that they were held in a businesslike and constructive atmosphere. According to the Russian president, Russia and Turkey have returned to the path of partnership.