The Turkish Mayor and the delegation of Smyrna were welcomed at the port of Mytilini to the sounds of an orchestra with dulcimers and traditional dances, the Mayor Stratis Kytelis, officials of the local government of Lesbos as well as representatives of local cultural and economic bodies of the island
At the head of a numerous group of self-governing, economic and other social actors of the Municipality of Izmir, the Mayor of Izmir, Tunds Soyer, is visiting Mytilini today.
The Turkish Mayor and the delegation of Smyrna were welcomed at the port of Mytilini to the sounds of an orchestra with dulcimers and traditional dances, the Mayor of Mytilini Stratis Kytelis, officials of the local government of Lesbos as well as representatives of local cultural and economic bodies of the island.
At noon, the Mayor of Izmir and the Mayor of Mytilini in the city’s historic City Hall signed a Peace and Friendship Agreement in which they “commit to promote peace, friendship and coexistence between their communities” valuing “both parties recognize the historical ties and the cultural similarities shared by the Turkish and Greek communities” but also “recognize the importance of creating ties and strengthening understanding between the citizens of Smyrna and Lesbos”.
What’s in the Agreement?
With the joint document they signed, the two parties agree as follows:
1. Peace and friendship: They will try to maintain and promote a peaceful and friendly relationship between the municipalities of Smyrna and Lesbos.
2. Cultural Exchange and Cooperation: They will support cultural exchange programs, educational initiatives and joint community events that promote understanding and cooperation between the Greek and Turkish communities.
3. Economic cooperation: They will explore opportunities for economic cooperation and trade, with the aim of enhancing prosperity and economic development in their respective regions.
4. Promotion of tourism: They will work together to promote tourism between Izmir and Lesvos, emphasizing the cultural heritage and natural beauty of their areas, thereby strengthening local economies and promoting greater understanding between tourists from both communities.
5. Crisis management and humanitarian support: In times of crisis or emergency, the two parties provide humanitarian support and assistance to the communities of the other party, demonstrating solidarity and empathy.
6. Regular Consultations: They shall hold periodic consultations and meetings to address matters of mutual interest, as well as to assess the progress of this Agreement.
7. Respect for diversity: Both parties respect the cultural, religious and linguistic diversity of the other party’s communities, promoting an atmosphere of inclusiveness and acceptance.
8. Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from the interpretation or application of this agreement shall be resolved through amicable negotiations between the parties.
Finally, the Agreement signed today states that it “may be terminated by mutual consent or in the event of a material breach of its provisions by any party”.
During the signing of the Peace and Friendship Agreement between the Municipalities of Mytilini and Izmir, the Mayor of Mytilini referred to the historical ties that unite the two cities and noted the need “to develop the diplomacy of the cities. Let the Aegean become a sea of ​​peace, solidarity, friendship and development of the two peoples”.
The Turkish Mayor referred to the need to further develop relations between the two neighboring cities and made special reference to the ferry connection between Smyrna and Mytilene. “Next year it will continue and it is even being discussed to enter more routes” he said.
“The two coasts can and must continue their cooperation. And to the question of whether we will continue to disagree or live together, we answer that we want to live in peace. Some can live with rifts, survive the rifts, but the two peoples can and must be loved by each other to continue and develop solid bonds of coexistence and friendship,” said Mr. Tounds Sawyer.
Afterwards, the two Mayors participated in a meeting organized by the Greek movement “Coexistence and Communication in the Aegean” and the Turkish organization “Union for Peace and Communication in the Aegean”.
In the afternoon, the documentary film “Komünist Osman” produced by Oben Oulu and directed by Gökmen Oulu will be screened at the Municipal Theater of Mytilene. The documentary includes interviews with 63 people and is dedicated to the life and work of the campaigner for Labour, Democracy and Peace, historical four-term mayor of the Dikili district of Izmir and old friend of Mytilini, Osman Özgüven. Elderly and with many health problems, Mr. Ozgiuven came to Mytilini in the morning to take part in the event organized in Mytilini in his honor.
Source: Skai
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