During his time in San Francisco, President Abdullah Gül paid a visit to Silicon Valley where he had the opportunity to meet with top officials from some of the globe's leading technology firms. Gül's first meeting was with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Prime Minister Abdullah Gül was accompanied by Hayrünnisa Gül, Minister of Industry and Technology Nihat Ergün, Deputy Nursuna Memecan and TÜBİTAK Chair Yücel Altunbaşak.
INTEREST IN THE FATİH PROJECT
Apple officials shared with President Gül and his accompanying committee the news that they will be opening an office in Turkey in autumn. Apple officials asked the Chairman of the Turkish Scientific and Technical Research Council (TÜBİTAK) Chair Yücel Altunbaşak to share details on the Fatih Project which aims to provide students with tablet computers.
TURKISH KEYBOARD IPAD
When asked the timeframe for the release of the Turkish keyboard iPad, Cook stated that they were working closely on the issue. During the two hour visit, information was relayed regarding applications to increase interaction between students and teachers applicable to 'smart' classes. In addition, applications that will allow teachers to more efficiently prepare education materials were also presented during the meeting.
THIRTEEN ANGEL INVESTORS INTRODUCED TO TURKEY
During his trip to Silicon Valley, President Abdullah Gül also met with top-level administrators from thirteen different angel investment firms. At the meeting, topics such as investment opportunities in Turkey, the legal infrastructure involving investments and information on the market were discussed. In the final portion of his trip to Silicon Valley, President Gül spent time meeting with Turkish investors.