İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay hosted Kardzhali Mayor Erol Mümün and his delegation from Kardzhali, İzmir’s sister city in Bulgaria. During the meeting, the two sides discussed sister-city relations, joint projects, and regional development. Mayor Tugay emphasized that the two friendly communities should continue to grow together through cooperation and solidarity.
Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay hosted Mayor Erol Mümün and his delegation at İzmir Art Meeting Hall in Kültürpark. District mayors and politicians from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), a political party representing the Turkish minority in Bulgaria, also attended the meeting. Participants highlighted the importance of further strengthening the sister-city relationship between İzmir and Kardzhali and expanding cooperation across a wide range of areas. After receiving an update on recent political developments in Bulgaria, Mayor Tugay expressed his readiness to offer support whenever needed. The visiting delegation, in turn, thanked Mayor Tugay on behalf of the immigrant community for his continued support over the years.
Mayor Tugay Proposes Closer Cooperation; Invitation from Bulgaria
Speaking about the political efforts of the Turkish community in Bulgaria, Mayor Tugay said, “You are facing a difficult challenge, and I truly admire your determination. Whatever we can do to help, we are always ready to do.” He also stressed the importance of organizing more joint events in both Türkiye and Bulgaria, adding, “We need to come together more often.” Erol Mümün, the Mayor of Kardzhali, invited Mayor Tugay to the events within the scope of Kardzhali Days, saying, "Come and participate, let's have an Izmir Week. Let's have presentations about Izmir." Welcoming the invitation, Mayor Tugay said he would be pleased to attend if his schedule allows. He also noted that sports, cultural, and artistic events would further strengthen the ties between the two cities.
“What Matters Is Growing Together”
Highlighting the importance of development, Mayor Tugay emphasized the need to deepen cooperation between the two friendly communities. Stating that he trusts in the city's potential, Mayor Tugay expressed that significant work can be carried out in the fields of agriculture, industry, science, artificial intelligence, and urban planning through joint projects. Emphasizing the value of friendship and solidarity, Mayor Tugay said, “What truly matters is helping each other grow. Development benefits everyone.”
Delegation Members
The visiting delegation included Vice President of the Bulgarian National Assembly Ayten Sabri; Member of Parliament for Yambol Seyfi Mehmedali; Member of Parliament for Stara Zagora Şendoan Halit; Member of Parliament for Kardzhali Bayram Bayram; Chernoochene Mayor Aycan Ahmed; Isperih Mayor Belgin Şükri; Loznitsa Mayor Sevgin Şükri; former Member of Parliament Hüseyin Hafızov, who served in the 43rd, 44th, 50th, and 51st National Assemblies; and Bahtiyar Şen, Executive Board Member of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – New Beginning and the party's İzmir Provincial Representative.
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