The Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Dr. Cemil Tugay, hosted the Ambassador of Greece, Theodoros Bizakis, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Mayor Tugay emphasized the importance of increasing mutual cultural events and proposed organizing “İzmir Days” in Athens.

Mayor Tugay received Ambassador Bizakis; the Consul General of Greece in İzmir Alexandros Konstas, and their delegation. The Secretary General of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Zeki Yıldırım, and municipal officials also attended the meeting. The parties discussed ways to further enhance relations between Türkiye and Greece, as well as between İzmir and Athens, including the organization of reciprocal promotional and cultural events.

Tugay Proposes “İzmir Days” in Athens
Mayor Tugay stated that İzmir’s geographical and cultural proximity to the Greek islands has fostered a warmer and more familiar perception of Greek culture in the city compared to many other parts of Türkiye. Referring to his visit to Thessaloniki in October 2024, Tugay noted that he had established cordial relations with the Mayor of Thessaloniki and expressed his desire to also visit Athens.

Recalling the visit to the island of Lesbos in September last year, attended by Consul General Konstas, during which a joint gastronomy and cultural festival was organized with the Municipality of Lesbos, Tugay emphasized that the people of İzmir maintain strong interaction with the Greek islands and that the city wishes to further strengthen these ties. In this context, he proposed organizing an “İzmir Days” event in Athens. Ambassador Bizakis stated that this positive approach is mutual and expressed readiness for similar collaborations. Highlighting the importance of supporting young people through exchange programmes, Bizakis also underlined the need to increase contacts in the fields of culture, innovation, technology, and business.

Expanding Cooperation Between the Two Countries
At the end of the meeting, Mayor Tugay proposed reciprocal hosting of music and theatre groups in both cities. Ambassador Bizakis emphasized the importance of building bridges between institutions and people, while Consul General Konstas stated that they are ready to support the promotion of İzmir on the international stage.
 

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