The intensive foreign contacts of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality (NTM), which is the only recognized municipality of the TRNC in the international area, is continuing. Between the NTM and the Greater Municipality of Istanbul, the formal procedure of establishing relationws in order to become sister cities was completed. The Mayor of the Greater Municipality of Istanbul, Kadir Topbaş sent a letter to the Mayor of the Nicosia Turkish Municipality Cemal Bulutoğluları and stated his pleasure from the completion of the formal procedures for becoming sister cities.

Topbaş:   “A new era will begin in our friendly relations”

In the letter, the Mayor of the Greater Municipality of Istanbul, Kadir Topbaş stated that after the local elections on March 2009, we are planning to arrange a date which is suitable for both municipalities in order to sign a protocol in İstanbul. Nicosia is the cultural center of Cyprus as it is also the administrative center and therefore, it will be a great step in increasing the recognition of the citizens of Nicosia, TRNC, and all of its institutions in the international field. İt is important to share technical and cultural knowledge and experience of our municipalities. Consequently, I believe that this great step will provide a new aspect to the friendly relations of both municipalities.’

Relations are continuing..

Nicosia is also sister cities with Kumanova which is the second largest city of  Macedonia along with Ankara and Bursa. The  NTM is also preparing to sign a  protocol with one of the greatest industrial cities of Turkey, Gaziantep, after the local elections of  Turkey in order to become formal sister cities.