MAYOR ÜNLÜCE ENGAGES IN INTENSIVE DIPLOMATIC MEETINGS IN ANKARA

Mayor of Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality, Ayşe Ünlüce, drew attention with a series of high-level engagements held in Ankara. During her official program, Mayor Ünlüce carried out several important visits and meetings. She was accompanied by Metropolitan Municipality Council Members Çağrı Özeçoğlu and İnci Şensarı Şentuna throughout the meetings.

Mayor Ünlüce's first stop in Ankara was a meeting with the National Delegation within the framework of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Meeting with Congress President Marc Cools and the accompanying delegation, Mayor Ünlüce exchanged views on strengthening local governments, enhancing democratic participation, and developing intercity cooperation. Following the visit, Mayor Ünlüce stated: "I would like to thank the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye for their kind hospitality, and Mr. Marc Cools and his delegation for their valuable insights."

As part of her Ankara program, another meaningful stop for Mayor Ünlüce was the Pembe Köşk, where İsmet İnönü--National Chief and the second President of the Republic of Türkiye--lived for many years. At the historic residence, which bears witness to significant moments in the history of the Republic, Mayor Ünlüce met with İnönü's daughter, Özden Toker, sharing emotionally resonant moments.

Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Ünlüce said: "Listening to memories from those years from Ms. Toker in this meaningful place that carries the traces of our Republican history was truly invaluable for us. This meeting allowed us to once again deeply feel the founding spirit of our Republic, the sacrifices made at the time, and the determination of Atatürk and his comrades-in-arms. It strengthened both our respect for the past and our sense of responsibility for the future. I would like to thank Ms. Özden Toker for her gracious hospitality and valuable reflections."

In the final part of her Ankara program, Mayor Ünlüce paid visits to the headquarters of the Republican People's Party (CHP). Meeting with CHP Secretary General Selin Sayek Böke and Deputy Chairs Burhanettin Bulut, Bihlun Tamaylıgil, and Meryem Gül Çiftçi Binici, Mayor Ünlüce held comprehensive discussions on the work of local governments.

Emphasizing the productive nature of the meetings, Mayor Ünlüce stated: "We conducted an in-depth evaluation of the work of our local governments, the needs of our cities, and key issues related to strengthening the culture of democracy."

Through her engagements in Ankara, Mayor Ünlüce conveyed a message of cooperation at both national and international levels, underscoring that Eskişehir will continue to advance its local governance vision through strong dialogue and a shared commitment to collective wisdom.