Ahmed Metin Genc, the mayor of Trabzon, stated that the transfer of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to Trabzonspor presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Egypt and Turkey, opening a new chapter of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in tourism, trade, culture, and the economy.
Genc noted during a major event held in Cairo to promote tourism and trade relations between Trabzon and Egypt that his city aims to showcase its historical, cultural, natural, and culinary values on the international stage and reach a broader audience through its tourism and commercial potential.
He added, "While we are working hard in Trabzon to promote our beautiful city internationally, we also seek to create new opportunities to enhance relations between the two countries."
He continued, "As you know, a significant development occurred recently, specifically on August 6, when Mohamed Salah, considered one of the greatest football players in history and a source of pride for Egypt, transferred to Trabzonspor."
The Trabzon mayor explained that the city welcomed Mohamed Salah with great warmth, saying, "Our city of Trabzon embraced Salah as if he were one of its own. I say this sincerely; I am sure Salah has become a very beloved figure in Trabzon and Turkey, as well as in his home country of Egypt."
He pointed out that Salah's status transcends football, stating, "Because Salah is not just a football star; he is a national figure who carries, through his stance and personality, a much deeper meaning that speaks to the conscience of humanity as a whole, especially in this sensitive time the world is going through."
He added, "However, his humanitarian stance makes him even more distinguished," emphasizing that Salah's transfer to Trabzonspor "has provided a significant opportunity to develop the already strong historical and cultural relations between our two countries and usher them into a new era."
Strengthening Ties Between Cairo and Trabzon
Genc confirmed that the Trabzon municipality aims to enhance the historical relations between Turkey and Egypt in diplomatic, commercial, economic, and cultural fields, stating, "Turkey and Egypt are two strong and important countries in the Mediterranean. We want our historical relations to develop even stronger in this new era, in the fields of diplomacy, trade, economy, and culture."
He added, "The meeting we held today shows us how correct the step we took in this regard was, as we were pleased with the great interest shown by our Egyptian brothers during the bilateral business meetings we held today."
He continued, "In fact, I can say that one of the most successful bilateral business meetings we have held so far was here in Cairo. This interest clearly demonstrates the strong potential for cooperation between the two countries."
Efforts to Convert Charter Flights to Regular Flights
The Trabzon mayor highlighted the importance of air transport in supporting relations between the two countries, stating, "Of course, transport is one of the most important elements in developing these relations. We are making diligent efforts to convert the current charter flights into regular flights."
He affirmed, "If we succeed in this, I am fully confident that this step we took in Cairo today will create a much stronger link between Trabzon and Cairo in the days, months, and years to come, establishing a permanent bridge for cooperation in tourism and trade."
Genc expressed his gratitude for the warm reception in Cairo, saying, "I would like to express my gratitude for your generous hospitality and warm welcome. I sincerely hope that this beautiful friendship, which began in Cairo, will also grow in Trabzon, that our business partnerships will strengthen, and that the tourism relations between the two countries will achieve new successes."
He concluded by saying, "I believe that Trabzon and Cairo, as sister cities, will enjoy stronger ties in the future and will work together to build a shared future between our two countries."
"Trabzon Meets Cairo" to Enhance Tourism and Trade Cooperation
The remarks of the Trabzon mayor came during a major event in Cairo, organized under the auspices of the Trabzon municipality to promote the city's tourism potential and commercial and cultural wealth on the international stage, and to develop economic and tourism relations between Trabzon and Cairo.
As part of the program, bilateral meetings were organized between Egyptian and Turkish delegations, attended by Trabzon mayor Ahmed Metin Genc, Turkey's ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Sen, Trabzon deputy governor Ali Yilmaz, head of the Eastern Black Sea region branch of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association "TÜRSAB", Mohamed Ali Tuna, president of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry "TTSO", Erkut Celbi, and president of the Trabzon Commodity Exchange "TTB", Ayoub Ergan, along with representatives from the tourism sector in Trabzon.
During the program, the Trabzon mayor and his accompanying delegation visited 40 booths belonging to Egyptian travel agencies and companies, exploring the booths that highlight Trabzon's tourism, culture, cuisine, and commercial values, while participants watched a video showcasing the city's natural, historical, and cultural wealth.
Turkey's Ambassador: Trabzon is an Ideal Destination for Egyptian and Arab Tourists
For his part, Turkey's ambassador to Cairo, Salih Mutlu Sen, stated that Trabzon is considered one of the most active, pioneering, successful, and ambitious cities in Turkey, noting that it has achieved success in various fields, from industry to maritime affairs, from politics to literature, from science to economy, and from trade to sports and football.
He said, "We are proud of Trabzon. However, today we are talking about tourism. Trabzon, with its green spaces, mountains, forests, sea, unique cuisine, and historical sites, is an exceptionally attractive tourist destination for our Egyptian and Arab brothers and sisters."
He added that Egyptian and Arab tourists seek a safe and tranquil environment during their travels, easy access to mosques, halal food, and opportunities to discover diverse natural beauty, emphasizing that Trabzon meets these expectations to a large extent.
He explained, "Therefore, at the initiative of our esteemed mayor, we organized this tourism meeting so that our Egyptian brothers and sisters can visit Trabzon, get to know our city, and discover these unique landmarks."
The Turkish ambassador expressed his gratitude to Trabzon mayor Ahmed Metin Genc for leading this important event, saying, "I hope that tourism relations between Trabzon and Egypt will continue to strengthen."
Trabzon Deputy Governor: We Look Forward to Strengthening Cooperation with Egypt
Trabzon deputy governor Ali Yilmaz said, "We are gathering today for a beautiful and important event. First, I would like to express my happiness to be with you at the 'Trabzon Meets Cairo' event."
He added, "Egypt and Turkey share close friendships, a common history, and strong cultural ties. From this perspective, Trabzon and Cairo are closely related cities, just like our two countries."
He explained that Trabzon is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in the region and Turkey, thanks to its history, culture, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, emphasizing his country's desire to strengthen cooperation with the Egyptian side and develop tourism, trade, and cultural relations between the two cities.
Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry President: Cairo is an Important Commercial Market
Erkut Celbi, president of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, "In Trabzon, we do not view tourism merely as accommodation and visits; we see it as an important opportunity to develop friendships between the two countries, enhance commercial relations, bridge cultures, and increase economic cooperation."
He added, "Cairo and Egypt are important tourist and commercial markets for us. In this regard, we want the Egyptian people to get to know Turkey, especially the unique natural beauties of the Black Sea region, to visit Trabzon, and for this to contribute to increasing tourism activity in the region."
Tourism as a Tool to Strengthen Relations Between Egypt and Turkey
Mohamed Ali Tuna, regional president of the Eastern Black Sea region in the Turkish Travel Agencies Association "TÜRSAB", stated that tourism movement is one of the most important tools to enhance relations between Turkey and Egypt, which share strong historical and cultural ties, both commercially and culturally.
He added, "We believe that tourism will significantly contribute to developing the historical and close ties between Trabzon and Cairo."
He pointed out that the mutual tourism movement, which has seen an increase in recent years, has gained further momentum thanks to the relationship that has developed between Trabzonspor, one of the city's prominent clubs, and Mohamed Salah.
He concluded by saying, "I hope that the communications we have made here will contribute to strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural relations between Trabzon and Cairo, establishing new partnerships, and increasing the mutual tourism movement."
Ahmed Metin Genc, Mayor of Trabzon
Dr. Mohamed Tharwat and the Mayor of Trabzon
Turkey's Ambassador to Cairo
Trabzon Meets Cairo Event (1)
Trabzon Meets Cairo Event (2)
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Trabzon Meets Cairo Event (5)
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Trabzon Meets Cairo Event (9)
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Mohamed Ali Tuna, TÜRSAB
