Athens Mayor Doukas meets counterpart Imamoğlu in Istanbul, invites him to Athens

Doukas congratulated the Istanbul mayor on his victory in the March 31 elections and stressed that "it is our commitment to work closely for the well-being of our citizens and the progress of our historic cities." He added that "cities and mayors can play a critical role in promoting peace, synergies, and progress for citizens."

The Athens mayor said he would continue his contacts with mayors, "so that in the forthcoming European elections, progressive voices against populism and intolerance prevail," and he invited Imamoğlu to visit Athens.

Doukas also expressed his pleasure at participating at the Istanbul Municipality's event for Europe Day on Tuesday and at Wednesday's meeting with the city's mayor.

On his side, Imamoğlu welcomed Doukas to Istanbul and wished him good luck in his tenure. The mayor of Istanbul also expressed the desire to elevate the collaboration between the two municipalities at very high levels, as well as at the level of the Balkan Cities Network B40.

Referring to the good steps of collaboration begun under the previous mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, Imamoglu said they would reach an even better level during Doukas' tenure. This friendship and proximity "will make a very valuable contribution to the two countries, the two cities, the neighboring geography, and even Europe," he said. Although he and Doukas started communicating only recently, he noted, the dialog the two had in Paris and on Tuesday was 'very good'.

Imamoglu accepted an invitation by Doukas to visit Athens, stressing that he wishes to visit the Greek capital the soonest possible.