“The relations between Greece – Turkey are making a steady progress,” said the Mayor of Constantinople, Kantir Topmpas at the meeting with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Giannis Boutaris and added that he wants to strengthen the relations between
Constantinople and Thessaloniki.“Thessaloniki means a lot to the Turks as the city where Kemal Ataturk,” was born and raised, said the Mayor of Constantinople.
Mr. Giannis Boutaris stated moreover he is particularly happy to visit Constantinople, a city which always coexisted with Thessaloniki from the depths of history and he feels honored that Thessaloniki is the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal.
Also, G. Boutaris said that he wants the citizens of both countries to visit and learn about Thessaloniki and Constantinople, he wants the Turkish people to see the Ottoman monuments of Thessaloniki and he believes that the student exchanges and the opening of new universities will certainly develop the relations of the two countries.
“What is important,” said Mr. Boutaris, “is for the Turks to feel at home in Thessaloniki as the Greeks feel at home in Istanbul”. Mr. Boutaris also said that the objective of his visit is the transfer of knowledge in the management of a city.
Mr. Topmpas called Greek technical groups to visit Constantinople so as to benefit from the experience of Mayoralty on planning, transport, waste management and municipal services.
“The transfer of knowledge and experience is an important contribution to the relations between the two countries,” he said and stressed that he believes in a fruitful partnership with Mr. Boutaris.
The Mayor of Thessaloniki also met with tourism stakeholders and announced that from May 27, the Turkish Airlines will start direct flights from Constantinople to Thessaloniki.
GREEKREPORTER
