IZMIR 14 September 2021 – As part of her official visit in Izmir, Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre met with key government officials and leaders of the business sector on 13 September 2021.

Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (second from left) meets with Mr. Yavuz Selim Köşger, Governor of Izmir (second from right) together with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angela Tolentino (leftmost) and Consul General, a.h. Ender Yorgancılar (rightmost) (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor of Izmir)

"As an archipelago comprised of 7,641 islands, the Philippines shares similar characteristics with Izmir as a port city," said Ambassador Algabre during her meeting with Mr. Yavuz Selim Köşger, Governor of Izmir. "The Philippines looks forward to building closer relations with Turkey in many areas and at all levels, including with the province of Izmir," she continued. 

Governor Köşger welcomed the interest of the Philippines to explore further areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Izmir. The Governor mentioned  the unique features of Izmir as an economically and socially dynamic province.   Izmir’s  seaports,  and  thriving industrial and  agricultural sectors,  fuel  its  trade sector.   With its rich historical heritage, mix of cultures  and Mediterranean climate, the province is also well-known for its tourist attractions.

When told that Izmir is called the "Pearl of the Aegean," Ambassador Algabre happily remarked that the Philippines is known as the "Pearl of the Orient Seas."

Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (center) meets with Mr. Tunç Soyer, Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality (right) together with Consul General, a.h. Ender Yorgancılar (left) (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Metropolitan Municipality of Izmir)

During the meeting with Mr. Tunç Soyer, Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, cooperation between the Philippines and the city of Izmir in the fields of culture, sports, and arts were also discussed.

Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (second from the left) meets with President of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mahmut Özgener (leftmost) together with Consul General, a.h. and President of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry Ender Yorgancılar (second from right) (Photo courtesy of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce)

Ambassador Algabre also met with leaders of the business sector in Izmir. Mr. Mahmut Özgener, Chairperson of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), and Consul General, a.h. Ender Yorgancılar, President of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO), expressed interest in exploring business cooperation with Philippine companies.##