Head of European Union Delegation to Turkey Ambassador Christian Berger, Mrs. Marilena Berger, and the accompanying delegation visited UCLG-MEWA General Secretariat on 23 March 2019.
Coming together with the delegation, UCLG-MEWA Secretariat introduced the main activities of the organization. Salim Korkmaz, UCLG-MEWA General Coordinator, briefly presented delegation the governing structure of UCLG-MEWA and UCLG World Organization.
Mentioning the projects and publications of UCLG-MEWA, General Coordinator Korkmaz also briefed participants on the historical background of the organization. Acknowledging that local governments are the closest administrative units to the citizens, the activities on migration, social cohesion, and adaptation in the MEWA Region were among the main issues discussed by the delegations. Parties also discussed how to establish new cooperation and develop solution proposals for the problems in the region.
Ambassador Berger stated that the municipalities have great responsibilities and many things to do for developing solutions. He further noted that UCLG-MEWA, as an international local government organization, has a key position to ensure the coordination between relevant municipal actions. Within this context, Secretary-General Duman noted that mutual and close follow-up of the works contributes to the strengthened cooperation. He also underlined that UCLG-MEWA is ready to cooperate more with the EU in this regard.
The official visit concluded after experts’ presentation on the history and culture of İstanbul and its districts, including Sultanahmet, where UCLG-MEWA headquarters is located.