Mayor Aras Promoted Muğla in the Global Arena

07 Mar Mayor Aras Promoted Muğla in the Global Arena

Ahmet Aras, the President of the Union of Coastal Aegean Municipalities and the Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, participated in the Berlin Economic Forum 2025 to promote global development, sustainable investments and environmental projects.

The President of the Union of Coastal Aegean Municipalities and the Mayor of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Ahmet Aras broke new ground in local governments and participated as a speaker at the Berlin Economic Forum 2025 organised by the International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. Speakers at the Berlin Economic Forum 2025 included prominent figures from around the world, such as former Serbian President Boris Tadić, former Italian Prime Minister Massimo d’Alema, former Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, former Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, and former Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Dilberović.

During his speech at the Berlin Economic Forum, President Aras touched upon the tourism, cultural heritage and economic potential of Muğla and strengthened its global ties. Mayor Aras also exchanged ideas with Mark Donfried, the director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy on joint events that will take place in Muğla over the coming period.

Mayor Aras, “Muğla is One of the World’s Tourism Destinations”

Pointing out that Muğla is one of the most important tourism destinations not only in Türkiye but also in the world with its unique nature, history and cultural heritage, Aras stated: “Internationally renowned destinations such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye welcome millions of visitors every year. Besides being an important force for Muğla’s economy, tourism is a powerful tool of diplomacy that promotes the preservation of cultural heritage, enhances social dialogue and brings global communities closer to each other.”

Mayor Aras, “We Are On Our Way To Becoming A World City”

Emphasizing that Muğla stands out with its different aspects beyond tourism, Mayor Aras added: “Beyond tourism, Muğla is an important agricultural centre producing Türkiye’s best olives, citrus fruits, pine honey and fisheries. As key components of the regional economic strategy, we must promote sustainable rural development and local gastronomy. We strengthen social cohesion by promoting cultural exchanges and supporting initiatives that meet the needs of different communities. In Muğla, we are on our way to becoming a world city not only with the tourism potential but also with the cultural diversity, historical background and sustainable development goal.”

At the Berlin Economic Forum 2025, after Mayor Aras’ speech focusing on Muğla, Forum participants had the opportunity to gain detailed information about Muğla’s natural, cultural and economic structure, while important contacts were established for international cooperation.