Mayor Aras Attended Türkiye-Germany Sister Cities Summit

09 Apr Mayor Aras Attended Türkiye-Germany Sister Cities Summit

Attending the Türkiye-Germany Sister Cities Summit organized through the collaboration of the Union of Municipalities of Association of Türkiye (TBB) and the Association of German Municipalities, Ahmet Aras, Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and Chairman of the Coastal Aegean Municipalities Union, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and solidarity.

At the summit held at the Istanbul Congress Center, aiming to strengthen relations between cities of the two countries, Mayor Aras noted:

“We are trying to produce local solutions to global problems.”

“As Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, we are actively involved in international networks and aim to develop local solutions to global issues. Resistance to recent authoritarian tendencies can be developed by strengthening solidarity and cooperation. International city networks, sister city relationships, thematic platforms, and advocacy campaigns are strategic tools in this regard.

We actively participate in global networks such as B40, UCLG, ICLEI, and Metropolis, share best practices, and strive to offer local solutions to global challenges.”

“We develop projects to make our city more just and inclusive.”

Highlighting Muğla’s historical heritage and multicultural structure, Mayor Aras said: “Muğla, a city located where democracy was born, proves that a peaceful lifestyle is possible. Through decision-making processes based on participation, increased transparency via digitalization, and projects supporting active participation of youth and women, we aim to make our city more just and inclusive.”

“We are at a critical turning point in the history of our Republic”

Aras drew attention to recent interventions undermining the democratic atmosphere in Türkiye: “I would like to express explicitly that, we are going through a period in which democracy, especially at the local level, is severely tested. Democracy is a value that requires daily effort—like a sapling, it must be watered, protected, and nurtured every day. We are at a critical turning point in the history of our Republic. We demand the immediate release of all mayors, young people, journalists, artists, and activists who have been unfairly accused and deprived of their freedoms—especially our Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor, Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu.”

Mayor Aras Emphasizes International Cooperation and Solidarity

Aras stressed the need to deepen over 100 years of Turkish-German relations at the local government level and noted that Muğla, with its strong tourism infrastructure, sustainable agriculture potential, and renewable energy investments, is a city that stands out.

“The friendship between Türkiye and Germany, which has lasted for over 100 years, must now evolve into deeper and more strategic relations at the municipal level. Our cities have the capacity to think, produce, and develop solutions together on global issues such as climate crisis, migration, social integration, and digital transformation. Muğla, located in southwest Türkiye, stands out with its natural wealth, strong tourism infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy investments. It is also a region where many German citizens choose to live and visit, naturally fostering intercultural interaction. Partnerships between a globally recognized city like Muğla and German cities are of great significance.”