An
international forum of mayors and vice-mayors dedicated to the 100th
anniversary of the Republic of Turkey takes place in Ankara. Municipalities of
more than 20 countries take part in it. Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas and Kazan
Mayor Ilsur Metshin spoke at the opening ceremony.
“One
hundred years of the Republic of Turkey is a great story of overcoming,
development, as well as constant modernization. The past hundred years have
turned the country into one of the most authoritative and prosperous states in
the world. It is hard not to admire the successes achieved during this time by
the Republic of Turkey in various areas - industry and agriculture, tourism and
healthcare,”- the Mayor said in his speech at the forum.
Modern
Turkey is known by a balanced prioritization. “While maintaining respect for
its roots, history and religion, the country actively develops advanced
technologies and the education system, consistently defends its national
interests in the space of the modern multipolar world,”- Ilsur Metshin said.
The Mayor
of Kazan expressed confidence in the further expansion and strengthening of
cooperation, and also noted the importance of the voice of Ankara and Istanbul
on the world stage, where many municipalities adopt the best practices from
Turkey. For example, Kazan and Turkey are connected not only by business
contacts, but also by tourism and culture.
“We highly
appreciate that the Institute for the Study of Turkic Cultures in Ankara the
heritage of Tatar scientists whose life was connected with the Republic of
Turkey is preserved today,”- Ilsur Metshin added.
Also,
within the forum, the Mayor of Kazan and the Mayor of Ankara held a separate
meeting. Ilsur Metshin and Mansur Yavas discussed cooperation between
municipalities in the economic and social spheres. The parties expressed
interest in strengthening ties in already established areas, exchanging
experience and best practices in the urban management.
The forum
will discuss the issues of capital cities and ways to solve them, climate
change and natural disasters, as well as food security. Thus, heads of
municipalities from all over the world will share their practices in the field
of forest and water resources protection, waste reduction, and rural
development. Among the invited guests are representatives of Vienna, Beijing,
Astana, Minsk, Guangzhou, Tehran, Tirana and others.