Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu recently hosted Gennadiy Trukhano, the Mayor of Odessa, Ukraine, and Roman Nedilskyi, the Ukrainian Consul General in Istanbul, at the IMM headquarters in Saraçhane. This meeting comes as the conflict in Ukraine continues unabated, with Istanbul providing ongoing humanitarian aid to those affected by the war.
During the meeting, İmamoğlu expressed his heartfelt wishes for the conflict to end soon, emphasising the significance of humanitarian efforts. “We have previously spoken on the phone to share our emotions during these difficult times, but meeting face-to-face brings me great comfort,” İmamoğlu remarked, underlining the importance of direct dialogue during such challenging circumstances.
Savaş koşullarıyla mücadele eden kardeş şehrimiz Odessa’ya bugün 10 adet İETT otobüsü hibe ediyoruz. Dileriz bu otobüsler Odessa’daki zorlu ulaşım şartlarını biraz olsun iyileştirecektir. https://t.co/J9t5gUzQNh
— Ekrem İmamoğlu (@ekrem_imamoglu) August 2, 2024
İmamoğlu shared his sorrow and concern regarding the war in Ukraine and reiterated Istanbul’s support for the Ukrainian people. He conveyed his condolences for the lives lost in the conflict and invoked the founding principles of modern Turkey. “For over a century, our guiding principle, inspired by our founding leader Atatürk, has been ‘Peace at home, peace in the world.’ This philosophy continues to guide our approach to both national and global matters. We stand with the Ukrainian people during these difficult times, and I deeply value the dialogue we have established with you. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our Consul General, our initiatives have been fruitful so far. We will continue to do everything we can to support the people of Odessa and other Ukrainians in need,” İmamoğlu affirmed.
In a significant move to provide assistance, İmamoğlu announced that ten aid buses are on their way to Ukraine and are expected to arrive by the end of May. Despite the logistical challenges, İmamoğlu highlighted the dedication of both the Ukrainian Consul General and the IMM team in expediting this aid. “Transport can sometimes be a challenge, but thanks to the persistent efforts of our Consul General and our team, we are working hard to speed up the process. We have also received requests to construct quick-to-build shelters, to host the ice hockey team for training in Istanbul, and to bring children from Odessa to Istanbul,” he explained.
Throughout the meeting, İmamoğlu expressed his hope for an end to the war and peace for the city of Odessa, which has suffered greatly from the ongoing conflict. He reflected on his previous visits to Odessa, a city he admires both for its architecture and its shared connection to the Black Sea. “Having visited twice before, I have a deep appreciation for Odessa. As someone who grew up on the shores of the same sea, I long for the day when we can reunite in a peaceful and happy Odessa,” İmamoğlu said.
Additionally, İmamoğlu spoke poignantly about his experience hosting children from various countries during Turkey’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23. He specifically mentioned the Ukrainian and Palestinian children who attended, whose eyes, he noted, were filled with fear and anxiety. “I feel an immense debt to those children. Seeing the fear and worry in their eyes has left a lasting impression on me,” İmamoğlu concluded, highlighting the profound impact that the war has had on innocent lives.
