President Erdogan Invites Elon Musk to Invest in Turkey and Collaborate on Technology
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while attending the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, seized the opportunity to meet with Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. In a closed-door meeting at Turkevi, President Erdogan extended a warm invitation to Musk, encouraging him to consider establishing Tesla’s 7th factory in Turkey. This exciting encounter also saw Erdogan inviting Musk to TEKNOFEST, a prestigious technology festival set to take place in Izmir. Let’s delve into the details of this significant meeting and its implications.
A High-Level Gathering
The private meeting at Turkevi brought together key figures, including Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information, and Technology Commission Mustafa Varank, and Presidential Digital Transformation Office President Ali Taha Koç. Notably, Musk was accompanied by his son, adding a familial touch to the discussions.
Turkey’s Technological Progress and Vision
During their meeting, President Erdogan shared insights into Turkey’s remarkable advancements in technology, highlighting the Digital Turkey Vision and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Erdogan also acknowledged Tesla’s presence in Turkey through Togg, a groundbreaking electric vehicle initiative.
A Bold Invitation to Tesla
President Erdogan’s most notable request was for Tesla to consider establishing its 7th factory in Turkey. He underlined the potential for collaboration between Turkey and SpaceX, particularly within Turkey’s ambitious space program. Erdogan extended a gracious invitation to Musk, inviting him to participate in TEKNOFEST, scheduled to unfold in Izmir from September 27th to October 1st.
Thoughtful Exchanges and Gifts
As a token of appreciation, Erdogan presented Musk with the English version of his book, “A More Just World is Possible,” and a book titled “UN Reform: A New Approach to International Cooperation,” which elucidates Turkey’s pursuit of reform within the United Nations Security Council. In a heartwarming gesture, Erdogan gifted Musk’s child a football ball.
Elon Musk’s Positive Response
Elon Musk reciprocated the warm reception by expressing his interest in President Erdogan’s invitation to invest in Turkey for Tesla’s second European factory. Musk pointed out that several Turkish suppliers are already collaborating with Tesla, emphasizing Turkey’s strong candidacy for hosting their next factory.
Collaboration on Starlink and Artificial Intelligence
Touching on technology, Musk indicated his desire to cooperate with Turkish authorities to acquire the necessary licenses for offering Starlink satellite services in Turkey. This potentially transformative partnership holds the promise of enhanced internet connectivity in the country.
Turkey’s Technological Prowess
During the meeting, President Erdogan proudly highlighted Turkey’s role as a significant producer in high technology. He cited Turkey’s success in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as a testament to its capabilities. Musk, in agreement, shared his perspective that the wars of the future will likely involve advanced UAVs, acknowledging the global interest in Turkey’s Bayraktar UAVs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this meeting between President Erdogan and Elon Musk exemplifies Turkey’s commitment to advancing its technological landscape and fostering international collaboration. As the world eagerly watches, the possibility of Tesla’s presence in Turkey and the cooperation between these visionary leaders holds the promise of exciting developments in the world of technology and innovation.