Balkans | The mayors of the Balkan countries met in Athens

Within the scope of the B40 Athens Summit of the Balkan Cities Network, nearly 70 mayors from 10 Balkan countries gathered in Athens, the capital of Greece.

At the summit, the presidency of the B40 Balkan Cities Network was transferred from Istanbul to Athens.

In the opening speech of the summit, the Mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, stated that more than 100 bilateral meetings between mayors are planned within the scope of the B40 Balkan Cities Network Athens Summit, and said: “The most important element is the open and fruitful dialogue between neighbours.” He said.

Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, who attended the summit, stressed in his speech that he favors the cooperation of civilizations rather than the clash of civilizations, and said: “For me, the Balkans are the center of cooperation, just like Istanbul, which is located in the heart of the world geographically, is a city meetings.” He said.

Imamoglu said that he sees great global potential and future for cooperation when he looks at the Balkan geography, “I see a region that is integrated not only with the European Union (EU), but also with the whole world, and it can breathe with the whole world.” Use the phrase.

Drawing attention to the differences and diversity within the Balkan countries, Imamoglu said, “Unity is strength.” He said.

İmamoğlu said, “As much as Athens and Istanbul are brothers, Taksim and Syntagma Square and the people who fill those squares are also brothers.” He said.

Referring to the burning of the Qur’an in Sweden, Imamoglu said, “We must condemn such provocative attempts together and forcefully because such populist and extremist methods have nothing to do with freedom and democracy. On the contrary, these attempts are hate crimes that can sow enmity between people.” Peace and quiet are disrupted.” He said.

The program of mayors who came to Athens from the Balkan countries within the scope of the summit started with a visit to the Acropolis Museum last night.

The summit is expected to continue until tomorrow.

AA