Giorgos Papandreou recently visited Kusadasi as a guest of Mayor Omer Gunel. During his visit, Mr. Papandreou, accompanied by his delegation, went to the Peace and Friendship Square, where he laid a carnation at the monument dedicated to the former Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem. He was also photographed in front of an olive tree that he and Cem had planted years ago, symbolizing peace between Greece and Turkey.

In his speech, Papandreou highlighted his friendship with Cem, stating, “We laid strong foundations of friendship and peace between our countries.” He also remarked on the common challenges both nations face, such as forest fires, emphasizing the need for cooperation: “In Turkey and Greece, we often fight against forest fires. We always have responsibilities towards nature. We are not far from each other. We are together. We must act together against such events. I am very happy to be with you in Kusadasi.”

Additionally, Papandreou visited forest areas in Smyrna affected by fires, as well as the ancient city of Ephesus.