Turkey, US groups boost health, business ties under new partnership push

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to New York for the 80th U.N. General Assembly coincided with fresh efforts to strengthen Turkey-U.S. cooperation in health and business.

The Health Tourism Confederation (SATKOF) and the Turkish American Businessmen’s Association (TABA-AmCham) convened at the Turkish House (Türkevi), Turkey’s diplomatic hub near U.N. headquarters, as part of the U.S. Engagements 2025 Program. The event, led by SATKOF Chairperson Prof. Dr. Aysun Bay and TABA-AmCham Chairperson Süleyman Ecevit Şanlı, stressed the importance of expanding Turkish-American business and health partnerships.

Delegates also paid courtesy visits to Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, and New York Consul General Muhittin Ahmet Yazal. Organizers described the meetings as key steps in reinforcing bilateral cooperation.

A milestone announcement came with SATKOF confirming preparations to open representative offices in the U.S., a move seen as bolstering Turkey’s role in the global health tourism sector.

“SATKOF, within the framework of its health diplomacy vision, fully supports all initiatives that contribute to enhancing Turkey’s international standing,” Bay said, adding that engagements in New York demonstrate how Turkey's health diplomacy is making its mark globally.

Organizers emphasized that SATKOF and TABA-AmCham will continue to build bridges in health, trade and diplomacy, aiming to boost Turkey’s global brand value and deepen ties with the U.S.