Building Ties Between Macedonia-Thrace Region and Turkey

Evros Delta. Photo source: Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace

Turkey’s incoming Consul General in Komotini Ali Riza Akinci met with regional governor of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Georgios Pavlidis earlier this month to discuss issues and problems affecting the region and its residents.

Topping the agenda were ways to boost tourism to the region, which would in turn contribute to the local economies.

Mr. Pavlidis said that in this direction he has already taken action by proposing the establishment of a 72-hour visa scheme to attract Turkish visitors to the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace region. He underlined, that a visa facilitation scheme would bring huge benefits to the area by attracting hundreds of Turkish travelers for weekend getaways.

Other issues on their agenda included the flooding of the Evros River and the alarming rise in animal disease, among others.

Mr. Akinci expressed his eagerness to start a close collaboration.