In the 100th year of the commencement of deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural relations between Turkey and Hungary, the honorary consulate office covering the provinces of Muğla and Denizli has officially opened. Akfen Holding’s Chairman of the Board, Hamdi Akın, will serve as Hungary’s Honorary Consul for Muğla and Denizli.

 The opening ceremony of the Honorary Consulate office in Muğla was attended by Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık, Hungary’s Ambassador to Ankara Viktor Matis, Hungary’s Consul General in Istanbul Attila Pinter, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras, as well as numerous prominent figures from the business and diplomatic communities.

 Hungary’s Honorary Consulate is poised to contribute significantly to strengthening relations between the Muğla and Denizli provinces, spanning from cultural exchanges to trade agreements. This new diplomatic bridge will also host projects that will foster closer ties between the two countries on a regional level.

 BRINGING THE RICHES OF MUĞLA AND DENİZLİ TO HUNGARY

In his opening remarks, Hamdi Akın, Hungary’s Honorary Consul for Muğla and Denizli, emphasized that the friendly relations that have existed between the two countries for over a century will be further strengthened by the honorary consulate.

Highlighting the cultural and economic richness of Muğla and Denizli, and their pivotal role in relations with Hungary, Akın stated that the new honorary consulate would serve as an essential bridge in enhancing commercial and cultural cooperation.

Hamdi Akın remarked, “In this significant year, which marks a century of diplomatic relations yet represents a friendship and cooperation spanning even more years in a broader context, I am proud to be entrusted with such an important role. Taking on this position presents a great opportunity to contribute to the friendly relations between the two countries. I would like to express my eagerness to fulfill this responsibility in the best possible way.”

Hamdi Akın also conveyed his gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Hungary, Mr. Tamas Sulyok, and Hungary’s Ambassador to Ankara, Mr. Viktor Matis, for their trust in me with this important role.”

“WE WILL SUPPORT OUR HISTORICAL TIES WITH HUNGARY”

In his speech at the opening, Muğla Governor İdris Akbıyık emphasized that the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries was declared as the Turkish-Hungarian Year. Akbıyık stated, “In this context, many events are continuing in our country with the support of the ministries. There is significant interest in Hungary here in Muğla. We even have a Hungarian Chair at our university. I hope that, with the contributions of our Honorary Consul Mr. Hamdi, our academic, tourism, cultural, economic, and social relations will continue to increase. I wish success to all, and I extend my respect and best wishes to you.”

Hungary’s Ambassador to Ankara, Viktor Matis, highlighted that the current relations between the two countries encompass political, cultural, and economic aspects. Matis added, “To be honest, they are all in good shape. There is much work to be done, especially in the areas of economy and culture, and honorary consuls play a significant role in this. Hungary now has nine honorary consuls in Turkey. The honorary duty of these important individuals is to strengthen and develop cultural, scientific, and economic relations between Hungary and Turkey. Thus, we have much work to do with Muğla and Denizli as we continue to advance our bilateral economic relations.”

Matis continued by saying, “Honorary consuls in Turkey are prominent business people, locally recognized and with a good reputation, who can do much for our bilateral relations. Hamdi Akın is one of Turkey’s leading business figures, truly successful, and we know him and his work well. You all have the potential and opportunity to undertake honorary work together. I wish you success in your endeavors. I would like to thank you for officially joining us and becoming one of us. I also thank our Mayor for accepting our Honorary Consul.”

Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras explained that this initiative, which they believed would make an important contribution to their vision of a “Global City Muğla,” was launched together. Aras said, “The opening of this center in Muğla gives us strength and further supports us. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the President of Hungary and our esteemed Ambassador. We will continue our efforts to open more honorary consulates in central Muğla.”

Mayor Aras further emphasized, “In the spirit of a united Muğla, we will continue our efforts to promote our city on a national and international scale, ensuring that tangible outcomes are achieved in this regard. We are also pleased to establish significant relations at the local government level with Hungary, with which we share historical ties, and to support this excellent initiative. I would like to express my joy in celebrating this wonderful opening together.”