PROF. DR. RESCH NAMED HONORARY CITIZEN OF ESKIŞEHIR FOR FOSTERING SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION

The long-standing friendly relations between Eskişehir and its sister city, Linz, were crowned with a new honor. The Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality awarded the title of Honorary Citizen to Prof. Dr. Reinhard Resch, a faculty member at Linz Johannes Kepler University. Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce said, "Eskişehir embraces you as a friend and fellow citizen."

The ceremony, held at the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Council Hall, was attended by Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce, Austrian Ambassador to Ankara Gabriel Juen, CHP Eskişehir Deputy İbrahim Arslan, Linz Mayor Dietmar Prammer, Anadolu University Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Adıgüzel, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Resch, council members, and bureaucrats.

Speaking first at the ceremony, Linz Mayor Dietmar Prammer highlighted the strong collaboration between Eskişehir and Linz that has continued for nearly 20 years, saying, "Eskişehir shares the same vision with Linz, not only as an industrial city but also in culture and education. Prof. Dr. Resch pioneered the establishment of academic bridges between Johannes Kepler University and Eskişehir Osmangazi University. Through projects undertaken with his long-time collaborator, Prof. Dr. Alpay Hekimler, he has made scientific contributions in the field of labor law and strengthened intercultural dialogue between Austria and Türkiye. The honorary citizenship he was presented with today symbolizes not only these achievements but also the partnership between our two cities, based on trust and mutual respect."

Austrian Ambassador to Ankara, Gabriel Juen, stated that they were celebrating a concrete outcome of the two cities' vibrant and dynamic partnership, saying, "Above all, this ceremony is a testament to the close-knit ties between our citizens. Enlightened individuals, particularly those engaged in creative pursuits in science, education, and research, are building the strongest, most intelligent, and most beautiful bridges between the Donau (Danube River) and the Porsuk River. I wholeheartedly believe that, with the collaboration of lawyers specialized in both legal systems, the ties between Austria and Türkiye will become even tighter in the future, providing a secure foundation for new economic initiatives, and building the highest levels of mutual understanding, exchange, and new friendships."

In his speech, Mayor Ünlüce stated that Prof. Dr. Resch was presented with this title for his contributions to strengthening academic and cultural relations between the two cities. She said, "Eskişehir and Linz took their relationship to a new level with the sister city protocol signed in 2012. However, the steps that expanded our cooperation were not limited to us. The scientific solidarity between our universities has enabled us to achieve distinctive results. We are delighted to present the Honorary Citizenship Degree and Certificate to Prof. Dr. Reinhard Resch, one of the architects of our friendship, at this meaningful ceremony. I would also like to emphasize that this decision was made unanimously by the members of our city council from different political parties. Prof. Resch has made extraordinary efforts to build academic and cultural bridges between Eskişehir and Linz. He has united our youth, the guarantee of our future, in universal values. As a lawyer and mayor, I am particularly pleased to present you with this title. You are now a part of this city. Eskişehir embraces you as a friend and fellow citizen."

Following the ceremony, Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce presented Prof. Dr. Resch with the honorary citizenship certificate, saying, "I hope this special day, blossoming in the light of science, will inspire new beginnings for our country and our cities."

Sharing his feelings after the presentation, Prof. Resch said, "I see this award as an obligation to actively contribute to the development of the friendship between Eskişehir and Linz and to preserve its value for future generations. I extend my sincere gratitude to Metropolitan Mayor Ayşe Ünlüce, the council members, and everyone who made a personal effort to receive this honorary citizenship title. I promise to honor this distinction throughout my life."