ATC Chairman Brent Scowcroft and accompanying delegation were in Turkey October 12-18 for this year’s annual visit.  A large group of ATC members representing Ayesas, Bahcesehir University, Chevron, Citi, Fil Finance, Frito Lay, Havelsan, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Sanko, Sasim, and Sikorsky participated in this important program.  

The Chairman went right to work after his arrival in Ankara, with a late afternoon Press Conference, followed by a dinner hosted by Fırat Eren of NTF Construction at the Sheraton Hotel.  It was a pleasant evening with good acquaintances acknowledging the support of the Minister of Environment and Forestry H. E. Prof. Veysel Eroğlu who has generously supported the Hydro and Turkey-US protocol projects. 

The October 13 Ankara program was packed with back-to-back meetings, beginning with a breakfast briefing hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Ross Wilson.  Ambassador Wilson drew attention to the fact that the circumstances in Turkey are much more positive for US-Turkish relations today when the Chairman last visited in 2007.  This was due to the progress made on intelligence sharing and military-to-military cooperation that helped Turkey combat the PKK terrorism.  The recent global financial crises, and the upcoming US Presidential elections were among the other topics that the Ambassador touched upon at the briefing.

Following the breakfast General Scowcroft had a private meeting with the Chief of Turkish General Staff General Ilker Başbuğ.

H. E. Abdullah Gül, the President of Turkey received the entire delegation He emphasized the importance of US-Turkish relations and the pivotal role that the American-Turkish Council plays in this vital relationship.  The upcoming US Presidential elections, the situation in the Caucuses, and the growing global economic crises were among the topics discussed.  General Scowcroft reassured President Gül that no matter who was elected on the 4th of November the continued centrality of Turkey and the role a strong U.S.-Turkey relationship plays for peace and stability in this region of the world would continue to be the part of the agenda of the newly elected President.    

Following the meeting with President Gül, the delegation split with defense company representatives heading to the Gazi Orduevi (Military Guest House) for luncheon hosted by H. E. Minister of National Defense, Vecdi Gönül, and attended by Undersecretary of Defense Industries Murad Bayar and other high ranking officials.  The remaining group had lunch at the famous Uludağ Restaurant where they sampled the great Iskender Kebab. 

After lunch the delegation re-assembled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where Undersecretary Ambassador Ertuğrul Apakan and his staff briefed the group on a wide range of topics including the Caucuses, EU, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Cyprus, bi-lateral relations and areas in which ATC and the Ministry can cooperate to further enhance and facilitate the issues relating to the two countries. 

The next stop was the Prime Ministry, where the delegation was greeted by
H. E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.  Minister Vecdi Gönül also joined the meeting.  Prime Minister Erdoğan thanked General Scowcroft and the ATC for the continued support of US-Turkish relations and particularly the Chairman’s very productive efforts last year opposing the Armenian Resolution.  Despite substantial cooperation and progress in the fight against the PKK following the meeting with President Bush last November, the struggle remains the “main issue” for Turkey, the Prime Minister said.  Regarding the business relationship, Prime Minister Erdogan appealed for ATC’s particular attention to increased U.S. investments in Turkey and remarked that there was still a lot of work to do. 

Prime Minister Erdogan appealed for a prudent pace for U.S. disengagement in Iraq and assured all possible support for that from Turkey.  He spoke of energy security and said Turkey will provide adequate time in the second nuclear tender for U.S. companies to participate. 

Chairman Scowcroft said he is apprehensive that another Armenian Resolution will come to the Congressional agenda in 2009.  Renewal of the Prime Minister’s proposal for an Historical Commission and a continued progress with the “soccer initiative” would help manage it he said.  Concluding the discussions, Prime Minister Erdogan said the term “ethnic cleansing” had been used several times in the confirmation hearings for Ambassador Jeffery.  He wanted to be certain that word got back to the State Department that this expression is not an acceptable substitute for “genocide.”

The last meeting of the day was with H. E. Hilmi Güler, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.  The discussions centered on the important energy projects for Turkey and the region including the Nabucco pipeline, Turkey’s bid for a Nuclear Power Plant and other hydroelectric plans in the works. 

The last event of the day was the dinner ATC hosted for its members held at Çengelhan Brasserie and Restaurant, also the home of the Rahmi Koç Industrial Museum.  The restored old building, which dates back to the 15th Century, used to be the Inn for travelers and traders who passed through the Ankara region, and is appropriately located in the old Citadel of Ankara.  Members and friends of the American-Turkish Council sampled the fine cuisine of the brasserie as they discussed the issues of the day.  Chairman Scowcroft gave a brief speech to the group remarking on his various meetings, and other ATC issues such as the 2009 Annual Conference to be held in Washington at the end of May.  After the Chairman, Charles R. Johnston of Citi briefed the guests on the economic situation facing the globe, and what to expect in the days ahead.   The congenial atmosphere of the evening ended with poignant toasts given by ATC members honoring Chairman Scowcroft. 

With an early departure from Ankara and a two-hour flight, the delegation landed in Van.  It was the first visit for most to this historic city, with its huge lake, (the ‘Sea’ as the locals call it) and a culture dating as far back as 5000 BC.  It was the home for the Urartu Kingdom, and later Armenian, the Persians, Byzantines, and finally the Ottoman Empire before becoming an important regional center of the Turkish Republic.

The delegation was met by a large group of Van businessmen, members of the host VASIAD (Van Industrialist and Businessmen’s Association).  The Chairman of VASIAD, Ali Çiçeksay, and his colleagues received the delegation enthusiastically loading the group into different cars to start our one day packed visit to this fascinating city.  The first stop was to visit the local Elementary School (Vali Adnan Daranderililer Ilk Okulu), where Boeing, an ATC Golden Horn Member, set up a computer lab for the students.  The school, which has over 1500 students, is located in the more underdeveloped section of town.  A large group of the students greeted us outside their classrooms excited to meet their guests from the United States.  Amid the cheers and “do you speak English”, “My name is Kenan” we were ushered to the principal’s office where the local Director for Education and the Principle of the school gave the delegation a brief about the school, the curriculum and education in Turkey.  It was time to go and visit the classrooms and the students, who showed us their technologically savvy laboratory and capabilities.  It was a warm and fulfilling experience for everyone to talk to the students and to mingle with them.  After a lot of hugs, “Tootsie Pops,” photo session ops and many handshakes the group left the school with school children waving and shouting “goodbyes” after the departing cars. 

The next stop was the Van Industrial Zone, where the Saglam Cardboard Packaging Plant was located – a new and largest foreign investment in Van in recent years.  Although the plant was not operational yet, the owner explained that they expected to go into operation within a couple of weeks.  The plant will supply packaging for the regional consumption as well as other major Turkish cities.  

It was time for lunch and the group headed to the town of Gevaş, which is about 25 km outside of the city.  Gevaş is also the location of the dock where the boats depart for the Island of Akhdamar.  The District Governor of Gevaş hosted the lunch at the lake shore restaurant.  The weather was georgeous and everyone enjoyed the delicious spread served al fresco overlooking the Island and the vast waters of Lake Van.  We were treated to the local delicacies including a special mullet which is particular to only Lake Van. 

After lunch everyone boarded the boat for the Island of Akhdamar and the 1000 year old Armenian Churish, the Church of the Holy Cross Church.  The Church has recently been renovated with its original pieces and opened for visitors as a museum in 2006.   The history of the Church, recounted by the the District Governor of Gevaş, as well as its architectural beauty captured everyone’s attention. On the boat back to Gevas, we were treated to a spectacular sunset and a full moon rising in the sky above a placid lake.

Dinner that evening was hosted by the Governor and Deputy Mayor of Van, joined by  dignitaries and business leaders of the City.  Once again we were treated to delicacies of the region and a sampling of Van regional folklore dances, music and poetry.  Friendly speeches of the Chairman of VASIAD Mr. Ali Ciceksay and Chairman of ATC Brent Scowcroft closed the evening. 

Wednesday morning was another early rise and departure for the group, heading to the town center for the special “Van” breakfast with the Mayor of Van.  Van is famous for its breakfast spread with delicious local honey, fresh cream, Otlu Peynir (the locally produced famous cheese with herbs) and a huge variety of other delicacies.  The group left for the airport knowing that they had made many new friends, and memories to share with their families and acquiantances. 

Immediately upon arrival in Istanbul, the delegation headed to Bahcesehir University where the founder of the University, Enver Yucel, and his colleagues hosted a special luncheon on the terrace of the University main building facing the beautiful Bosphorus.  It was the one day when the weather did not cooperate, with rain and chillier weather.  General Scowcroft, the Rector of the University as well as the Director of the Center for American Studies each gave short presentations talking about Turkey, US, the importance of the alliance and the values that the two nations share. 

After lunch Chairman Scowcroft delivered a major speech in the auditorium addressing the larger student body and faculty.  In his remarks, Chairman Scowcroft reiterated the importance of education, the role that Turkey plays in the international arena and how the new generation will be major contributers to their country and the world at large as educated, proactive citizens of the world.

Fenerbahce Rotary was the host of the dinner that evening.  The President of Fenerbahce Rotary, Mr. Tolga Gorgulu, also a devoted and active member of ATC representing Frito-Lay was the host.  The dinner took place at the well-know Buyuk Klup or the Circle D’Orient Ballroom, located Asian shore of the Bosphorus Straits facing the Princess Islands.  The newly operating “Water Taxi” ride was a fun and a faster route to get to the destination.  The evening was very pleasant, introducing the delegation to new friends and acquiantances.  When he was presented with an honorary membership by the Fenerbahce Rotary, Chairman Scowcroft was very touched. 

Thursday began with a breakfast briefing at TUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association) HQ where the Chairwoman Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag and Vice Chair Umit Boyner, together with Board Members Dr. Soli Ozel and Serif Egeli, met the delegation.  The discussion centered around the business world, the global credit crises, and the issues and expectations of business people in Turkey.  At the conclusion of this productive meeting, the group headed off to the next stop, the Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum.  After the tour of this amazing complex, Chairman of Koc Holding Mustafa Koc and his Executives hosted a lunch at the Halat Restaurant, part of the Museum complex, with its fabulous historical location on the Golden Horn.  The delicious lunch and the beautiful weather all complimented the day tremendously. 

The delegation departed the museum for the Coca Cola Plant in town of Corlu.  The Coca Cola Regional President Ahmet Bozer, Eurasia Group Director Gurtay Kipcak the plant Manager Haydar Yenigun, and Corporate Affairs Director Atilla Yerlikaya briefed the group and gave a tour of the plant.  The delegation found the visit to the state-of-the-art facility fascinating and engaging.  The group boarded the bus, hoping for a snooze during the two-hour ride back to Istanbul.  Another evening of dinner was awaiting them.  TAIK, Turkish-American Business Council of DEIK was the host of Thursday evening’s dinner.  Held at the Ciragan Palace Hotel, the large group of guests enjoyed the delicious meal as well as the remarks of President of TOBB Rifat Hisarciklioglu and Chairman Brent Scowcroft.  The evening ended with exchanges of gifts. 

Friday was the last day of the trip and just as packed with activities as was the earlier part of the week.   Breakfast was with TUSKON, hosted by the President of Marifed Mr. Ahmet Ciger.  As always, TUSKON members were gracious hosts and Chairman Scowcroft thanked them for their hospitality, particularly in Van.  The next stop for the group was the Ford Otosan factory in Izmit, a two-hour drive from Istanbul.  This was another example of an extremely well-operated, state-of-the-art facility.  The almost fully automated plant was an amazing sight to see.  Located on huge grounds, the factory is one of the most efficient Ford has around the world, winning many awards of excellence internationally.  This impressive tour was enhanced with a delicious luncheon hosted by the General Manager of Ford Otosan Michael Flewitt and his team of managers.  The ride back to Istanbul gave an opportunity for the group to rest and contemplate the whole week spent in Turkey.  All in all, it was a very full and satisfactory visit, which once again emphasized the importance of the US-Turkish relationship and the vital role that the ATC plays in that equation. 

The American-Turkish Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the trip sponsors; Invar International, Sanko/Airfel Group, Chevron, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Sikorsky, and all the participants and event hosts for making this important visit possible.