Convening
U.S.-Türkiye 360 Leadership Delegation
American, Turkish, and Türkiye-U.S. Business Council (TAİK) Flags. Image by Cemal Seker. As Türkiye asserts its position as key global player in the realms of business, defense, technology, and diplomacy, understanding its rapidly evolving landscape is vital to U.S business leaders. This 360 Leadership Delegation offered an immersive and high-level opportunity for leaders to engage directly with the individuals shaping Türkiye’s economic and political trajectory.
Through a strategic partnership with the Yunus Emre Institute , Meridian International Center led a 15-member delegation of U.S. private sector, nonprofit, and policy leaders to Istanbul and Ankara from June 15–21, 2025 , for a week of dialogue, relationship-building, and cultural exchange aimed at deepening bilateral ties and fostering long-term cooperation. Project Objectives Gain firsthand insights into Türkiye’s political and economic landscape.
Build new business, investment, and diplomatic opportunities. Cultivate a robust and tightly connected network of influential Turkish and American leaders. Develop a deeper cultural understanding of a pivotal U.S. ally that sits at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East Project Design Over the week-long exchange program, the delegation attended meetings with government officials, corporate representatives, and business association leaders.
To gain a 360 perspective on Türkiye, the delegation also visited key cultural sites and learned more about Turkish history and culture. Istanbul: During a dynamic three-day visit to Istanbul, the delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings and cultural experiences that highlighted Türkiye’s economic landscape and business potential. On the first day, the group met with the Investment Office of the Presidency of Türkiye, the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, and the Türkiye-U.S.
Business Council (TAİK), concluding the day with a welcome reception and scenic boat tour along the Bosphorus. The second day featured a breakfast meeting with Turkish Airlines executives, followed by discussions with the Anatolian Lions Business Association (ASKON) and the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD), culminating in a formal dinner hosted at the MÜSİAD venue. On the final day, participants checked out of the Sheraton Istanbul Levent and embarked on a guided walking tour of the historic Sultanahmet district before continuing their journey to Ankara, blending cultural immersion with continued engagement.
Ankara : During a focused two-day visit to the nation’s capital, the delegation engaged with key governmental and cultural institutions to deepen bilateral ties and explore strategic areas of cooperation. The visit began with a breakfast meeting with the leadership of the Yunus Emre Institute, followed by high-level discussions at the Ministry of Trade, the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, the Ministry of Finance, and the Presidency of Defense Industries.
In addition to these substantive engagements, the group also explored Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage with visits to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Delegate Impressions “This delegation truly was super impactful for me. I enjoyed the abundance of high level formal meetings with both the business and government sectors, combined with the truly enhanced cultural activities ...
The knowledge gained, the relationships formed, and the observations made will last a life time. Truly life changing. It has increased my drive to do more on and engage more on a global scale.” “This was one of the most, if not most, beneficial week's I have experienced in quite a long time. I look forward to future delegations and joining because the impact this one has had on me.” “I really enjoyed how many things we did and accomplished in such a short time.
I really felt as if going was beneficial because the amount of activities and high level meetings / dialogue.” U.S.- Türkiye 360 delegation members walking through Istanbul the Eminönü neighborhood. Image by Cemal Seker. U.S.- Türkiye 360 delegation members walking through Istanbul the Eminönü neighborhood. Image by Cemal Seker. Pierce Scranton, Jason Grill, and Rudy Novak (left to right) enjoying the view of the Bosphorus from a rooftop restaurant in Eminönü, Istanbul.
Image by Cemal Seker. Delegation members meeting with members of The Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MÜSİAD) in Istanbul. Image by Cemal Seker Delegation members on a private tour of the Topkapi Palace in the Sultanahmet Historical District in Istanbul. Image by Cemal Seker. Delegation members on a private tour of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in the Sultanahmet Historical District in Istanbul.
Image by Cemal Seker Group photo outside the Hagia Sophia Tombs. Back row: Amy Larsen, Jason Grill, Pierce Scranton, Matt Woelfel, Niteesh Bharara, Puru Trivedi; Middle Row: Ahmet Emin Eriş , Gökhan Coşkun , Kourtlawn Richardson, Brandon Soloski, Rhett Buttle, and Rudy Novak; Front Row: Mekiye Öztürk, Jana Nelson, Anne Perron, and Meredith Krieg. Image by Cemal Seker. Group photo outside the US Embassy in Ankara. Back row: Niteesh Bharara, Jason Grill, Kourtlawn Richardson, Amy Larsen, Matt Woelfel, Meredith Krieg; Front Row: Denix Gursan, Aryani Manring, Rina Shah, Rudy Novak, Brandon Soloski, Jana Nelson, Rhett Buttle, Gökhan Coşkun, Puru Trivedi, Jimmy Church, and Ayşenur Kandemir.
Bosphorus Boat Tour. Back Row: Rudy Novak, Jason Grill, Brandon Soloski, Matt Woelfel, Anne Perron, Sevil Altinsoy, Puru Trivedi, Gideon Lett; Front Row: Jana Nelson, Kourtlawn Richardson, Niteesh Bharara, Amy Larsen, Rhett Buttle, and Meredith Krieg. Project summary U.S.-Türkiye 360 Leadership Delegation | June 2025 Number of Attendees: 12 Countries: United States , Türkiye Impact Areas: Business and Trade Program Areas: Corporate Diplomacy .