Izmir, 09 December 2022 – Philippine Ambassador to Türkiye, Maria Elena P. Algabre, joined the ASEAN Ankara Committee (AAC) Heads of Missions in the working visit to Izmir on 07–08 December 2022 to meet with key officials and members of the business sector.

“Relations between countries start with people-to-people relations. Izmir is known to Filipino pilgrims as the site of the Meryem Ana Evi (House of Virgin Mary),” said Ambassador Algabre during the meetings. “Filipinos also visit parts of the Seven Churches of Revelation–Ephesus, Pergamon, and Smyrna, in Izmir,” she continued.”

Philippine Ambassador Maria Elena P. Algabre (5-L) and ASEAN Ankara Committee Heads of Mission and spouses with Ambassador Naciye Gökçen Kaya of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representation Office in Izmir (3-R) in front of the iconic Izmir Clock Tower in Konak Square (Embassy photo)

The AAC first called on H.E. Mrs. Naciye Gökçen Kaya of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Representation Office in Izmir. Ambassador Kaya joined the AAC in their succeeding calls to Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Mayor Tunç Soyer, Selçuk District Governor Ekrem İnci.

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Tunç Soyer with Ambassador Algabre (Embassy photo)

The Ambassadors also met with representatives of the business sector, namely Mr. Ender Yorgancılar, Chairman of the Board of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO), Mr. Jak Eskinazi Coordinator President of Aegean Exporters’ Associations (EIB), and Mr. Emre Kizilgunesler, Vice President of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO).

Ambassador Algabre (2-R) and ASEAN Ankara Committee Heads of Mission and spouses with Mr. Ender Yorgancılar, Chairman of the Board of the Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) and Consul General, a.h. of the Philippine Consulate General in Izmir (5-R) (Embassy photo)

During the meetings, ASEAN Ambassadors and Turkish officials discussed areas of cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism in the ASEAN region.  END