Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to hold a highly anticipated meeting with billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday at the newly constructed Turkish House near the United Nations headquarters. The meeting aims to discuss potential collaboration between Turkey and Musk's companies in areas such as space technology and electric-vehicle batteries.
This meeting marks a continuation of the developing relationship between Erdogan and Musk, as the SpaceX founder had previously visited the Turkish president in Ankara back in 2017. Since then, the two have been exploring opportunities for cooperation.
One area of collaboration involves SpaceX's partnership with Turkey's space program, particularly in launching communication satellites. Additionally, Turkey seeks assistance from Musk in the development of batteries for its first domestically-produced electric vehicle, known as the Togg.
For Erdogan, the upcoming launch of the Turksat 6A satellite in June 2022 represents a crucial milestone, as it could potentially enhance the collection of intelligence that may be utilized for military purposes. As part of his broader strategy to build a self-sufficient defense industry, Erdogan is actively encouraging the production of unmanned combat aircraft and other defense technologies to support the country's military.
With Erdogan's extended rule entering its third decade, his focus on developing strategic partnerships and fostering technological advancements aligns with Turkey's goal of strengthening its position in a region marked by ongoing conflicts. The meeting with Musk signifies a significant step towards achieving these objectives, as the Turkish president seeks to establish Turkey as a key player in the fields of space technology and advanced battery production for electric vehicles.