Moderator: Fevzi Bilgin, Executive Director Rethink Institute
Charles R. Johnston, Chair, US-Turkey Busines Counsil &
Senior VP of International Government Affairs, Citigroup
Ata Ceylan, President of the Energy Committee at Istanbul Chamber
of Commerce, ortadogu Energy Group
H.E. Namik Tan, Ambassador of Turkey to the US, “Turkey and America have both accumulated memories”. “We do not forget our American friends. We have common visions such as democracy, peace. Turkey is in the top 10 in the world’s economy. We need to work together and make Istanbul world’s finance city. We do expect full commitment from both U.S. and Turkey. “
Bulent Aras, Chairman, Center for Strategic Research, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkey, “The geopolitical locations of all the five countries bring them together. Turkey has a western identity and western perspective and she has access to Eastern countries.”
Bulent Kenes, Editor-in-Chief Today’s Zaman, “Turkey has extended its geographic scope by political expansion. “
Ross Wilson, Former US Ambassador to Turkey, Director, Atlantic Council, “We have seen giant steps taken in transportation and communication. Turkey has a growing soft power in the world and is using it very well. “
Atilla Kurama, Chief Executive Officer, Yildiz Holding, Turkey, “I hope Turkey can play a stronger role in its geopolitical position. Turkish American relations have always been complicated but now it is very good. There are issues in regards to Syria about chemical and biological weapons, as of now, U.S. and Turkey relations are very good. H10 policy is the key issue in the region. The exchange between assistant of secretaries on finance and trade security is vital.”
