MOSCOW, March 30. /TASS/. How Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate in the ceremony of loading nuclear fuel at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant on April 27 has not yet been determined, but the Russian side will be adequately represented at this event, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"So far, no concrete decision has been made," he said in reply to a question about whether Putin is planning to make the trip there or whether he will take part in the ceremony via video link.
"The only thing that can be said is that the Russian side will be adequately represented one way or another and will take part in the ceremony, which will take place at the end of April," Peskov added.
The Kremlin official stressed the importance of the Akkuyu NPP for relations between Russia and Turkey in general and especially for the Turkish energy sector.
"This is a very important project for our bilateral relations and for the development of energy in Turkey, particularly nuclear energy. This is a landmark moment in the development of the country," Peskov said.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Putin would take part in the ceremony of loading nuclear fuel at the Akkuyu NPP on April 27. He noted that it is possible that the Russian president will come to Turkey in person.
About Akkuyu NPP
The Akkuyu NPP is the first nuclear power plant to be built in Turkey. The project is being implemented in accordance with the inter-governmental agreement signed by Russia and Turkey in 2010. The power plant will include four Russian-designed VVER generation 3+ reactors. Each reactor’s power output will be 1,200 MWt. Once commissioned and brought to full capacity, the NPP will produce about 35 billion kWh every year. The plant is designed to provide up to 10% of Turkey's electricity needs. The construction of the first nuclear power unit is planned to be completed this year.