Izmir city officials call for expansion of ties with Iran

Ankara, April 26, IRNA – Governor and mayor of Izmir, a city located in west of Turkey, in a meeting with Iran’s general consul in Istanbul called for expansion of ties with Iran.

In a separate meeting here, Governor-General of Izmir province Mustafa Cahit Kirac said that, according to their government policy, they are promoting relations with neighboring countries, like Iran, as it has great historical culture and an ancient civilization that makes it an excellent and special position for Turkey.

Concerning the city's potentials, Kirac said that Izmir is 8500 years old which is a world historical heritage and among the attractions of the province is 650 kilometers of coastal area with European standards.

Kirac added that medical science and pharmacology started from this city and 20 percent of the country's trade is carried out from this port.

Izmir has 16 industrial townships as well as two free trade zone and is among agricultural and husbandry hubs in Turkey, he further noted.

In another meeting, the Mayor of Izmir city Aziz Kocaoglu expounded on tourist attractions of the region and called for direct flights between Izmir and Tehran.

Referring to the upcoming visit of a trade and commercial delegation from Izmir to Iran, the mayor underlined expansion of economic ties with Tehran.

Iran’s General Consul to Istanbul Mahmoud Heydari underlined the political will of senior officials of both countries for expansion of ties, expressing hope that an increase in cooperation between both countries will strengthen regional peace, stability and progress.

He also called for cooperation with a number of Iranian provinces with Izmir./end