ISTANBUL-- 26 September -- The American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) announced today that more than 30 US diplomats participiated in an ABFT-hosted Cruise on the Bosphorus on Friday September 21. During the cruise ABFT officials underscored the organization’s commitment to free trade and open markets in the energy sector as a crucial driver of Turkey and the region's economic growth.

"ABFT recognizes Turkey's strategic position in the region as an 'energy bridge' ", said Galip Sukaya, Chairman of the ABFT Board. “ABFT offered to host the diplomats as a way of underscoring our commitment to to strengthening the bridge between the private and public sectors working on energy policy and the investment enviroment."

US Ambassador Ross Wilson, Honorary Chairman of ABFT, participated in the cruise, joined by ambassadors and diplomats from the region. Also aboard were U.S. State Department Under Secretary for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs, Reuben Jeffery III; Daniel S. Sullivan, Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs; and U.S. Consul General in Istanbul Sharon Wiener.

"ABFT supports free markets and trade, and secure and affordable energy rests on these twin pillars", said ABFT Vice Chairman, Jeff Kemprecos. " This was a great way for us in the private sector to reinforce our support for collagues in the diplomatic community who are working on these critical issues."