Minister of Health, Dr. Fahrettin Koca, attended the video conference held by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S.-Turkey Business Council and Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB).
More than 60 officials and businesspeople got together in the meeting including the President of TOBB, Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, and Khush Chosky, the Senior Vice President for Middle East and Turkey Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
In his speech, Koca informed participants about Turkey's response efforts against the coronavirus pandemic and said, "The countries' success in fighting this pandemic is not about whether they are developed or least developed, democratic or authoritarian, or liberal or statist. The capacity of the state has come to the forefront". Koca emphasized that Turkey had been the center of attention thanks to its response efforts led by the President Erdogan, robust healthcare infrastructure and experienced health workers. Koca continued, "Compared to other countries, we have been able to contain the virus earlier and had low mortality rates. These have been due to early measures. Countries that invested in strategic sectors such as healthcare, food, supply chains, and physical infrastructure have proven to become successful in this fight. Developed countries are expected to work on human-centered economic models that focus on investing in strategic sectors."
Adding that Turkey supported 135 countries, including the US, with drugs, diagnostic kits, personal protective equipment and ventilators, Koca noted that the pandemic had led to huge costs for the global economy. Koca stressed the importance of international cooperation and continued, "Our biggest weapon against this threat is solidarity. It is important to cooperate on drug and vaccine development efforts, so that we can find a cure to this pandemic. Many countries such as Turkey, Germany, the UK, Russia, China and the US are working to make progress in vaccine development efforts. In Turkey, we are now conducting animal experiments. Our efforts are going as planned. The coronavirus pandemic has been a great test for countries on their healthcare systems and also their theoretical and practical capabilities. Another thing is that this pandemic has tested our friendships. Turkey and the US have acted hand in hand in these trying times. We are hoping for this solidarity to continue beyond this pandemic and into healthcare, security, economy, and scientific advancements."
© 2025 Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health All rights reserved.
