Representatives of the business world of the two cities came together at the economic forum organized to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the sister city relationship between Bremen and Izmir. At the forum, it was decided to implement a cooperation model, which includes many economic and social joint projects between İzmir and Bremen.
The Bremen-İzmir Businessmen Economic Forum was held in partnership with the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the World City Izmir Association. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor attended the forum where the socio-economic structures and relations of both cities were discussed. Tunç Soyer, Mayor of Bremen Dr. Andreas Bovenschulte, Honorary Consul of Turkey in Bremen Nils Herrmann, President of the German Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr. Markus Slevogt, World City İzmir Association (DİDER) Chairman Ahmet Güler, DİDER Bremen Office President Ali Eriş, Bremen Invest Turkey Director Erol Tüfekçi, Aegean Exporters' Associations Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi, Aegean Free Zone Founder and Operator A.Ş Executive Board Chairman Dr. Faruk Güler, Chamber of Shipping İzmir Branch President Yusuf Öztürk, Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Vice President Muhsin Dönmez and representatives of chambers, associations and non-governmental organizations attended.
Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor, who made the opening speech of the forum held at Ahmet Adnan Saygun Art Center. Tunç Soyermentioned the traumatic effects of wars in cities. Finally, President Soyer, giving the example of Ukraine, said, "If it were not for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish people would have been plunged into a great darkness."
The world of the future will be the world of cities
Stating that as mayors who manage cities, they have a historical responsibility to come together and act together, the Mayor Tunç Soyer“I believe that with the globalization process and the pandemic, the international system has been transformed and the world of the future will be the 'world of cities'. Urban diplomacy mechanisms are gaining importance day by day in the functioning of society. Within this mechanism, fields such as 'science diplomacy, 'climate diplomacy', 'gastrodiplomacy' and 'cultural diplomacy' are gradually strengthening the ground of cooperation between cities.
The business world of the two cities will get to know each other closely
During the meeting with Bremen Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte and his delegation, Mayor Soyer said that, in addition to remembering the good memories in their sister city relations for more than 25 years, they have similar views on the world and the future, “We have agreed on our historical responsibilities. We saw that we had been waiting for each other for years for this meeting. Based on this historical responsibility of our city, we described the relationship between Bremen and Izmir as a 'port brotherhood'. In this way, we will realize many joint projects that create mutual economic and social value. In this process, where we will deepen the relations between the Bremen and Izmir line, we attach great importance to our youth. We will take steps to establish mutual exchange and internship programs for university students from Izmir and Bremen. In addition to these steps, we will also be instrumental in strengthening the cooperation between the academic institutions of the two cities by encouraging scientific and academic studies. On the other hand, we are determined to organize special meetings and visit programs that bring the business world of the two cities together. We will enable Bremen investors to get to know the important institutions of the Izmir business world better. In the same way, we will work in partnership with Bremeninvest to enable investors from Izmir to get to know the Bremen business world and investment opportunities better.”
Fairs will be held
Stating that joint fair organizations will be held with the Fair Company Messe AG and İZFAŞ, Soyer said:
“We will strengthen these joint efforts with the technical cooperation between the important companies of the two municipalities. Joint efforts to develop İzmir's health tourism will also be on our agenda. In summary, we have adopted a cooperation model aiming at mutual experience and knowledge sharing as well as the existing social and cultural projects between the two cities. We will implement this model with great determination. I believe that all these efforts will lead to strong fraternal and friendly relations between the peoples of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen and İzmir.”
Tunç Soyer A chance for Izmir
DİDER Chairman of the Board of Directors Ahmet Güler stated that both mayors put forward their visions for the growth of cities and said, “Both the mayors of Bremen and İzmir have a different vision. In order to strengthen the relations between Bremen and Izmir, such visionary people were needed first. This is our chance. We have a vision to establish relations with Europe very quickly. Tunç Soyer A chance for Izmir. Izmir is a city that has nothing short of European cities. İzmir is a world city and will serve many purposes in strengthening bilateral relations in this forum.
The cooperation between Bremen and Izmir makes us happy
Markus Slevogt, President of the German Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that Turkey is one of the biggest commercial partners of Germany and said, “When we look at the investments of German companies, the ties between the two cities have also been formed as a gateway to the world. When we land in cities, we can communicate much faster and stronger. The cooperation between Bremen and İzmir makes me very happy”.
Mayor Soyer attended the first session with the Mayor of Bremen
Following the opening speeches, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor participated in the session on 'Unifying the Two Cities, Towards a Common Future through Trade and Port' moderated by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Advisor Ruhisu Can Al. Tunç Soyer, Mayor of Bremen Dr. He answered questions together with Andreas Bovenschulte.
Cooperation will spread to the world
Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Tunç SoyerStating that there are strong relations between Germany and Turkey dating back to ancient times, “Our cooperation will spread to the whole world in waves. This cooperation will set an example not only for the cities of Turkey and Germany, but also for the world, with Izmir and Bremen, which have a deep rooted history of 25 years.”
It is necessary to find elements that unite, not divide.
Bremen Mayor Bovenschulte used the following statements: “We have been in İzmir for 2,5 days, but we had very busy days. We saw many beautiful things, especially the incredible hospitality that impressed us. I would like to thank you with all my heart. The cooperation between Izmir and Bremen is very important. We can cooperate in many concrete areas in the field of education, science and fairs. I think then, diplomacy will not remain only in the economic field. Our brotherhood will grow. Our friendship will be strengthened. Our vision is very broad. We have common views with İzmir in our strategies for the future. As cities, we should not underestimate what we do. It is necessary to find the elements that unite us, not divide us.”
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