Recep Altepe, President of Union of Municipalities of Marmara and Mayor of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, and accompanying delegation of UMM realised important official visit programme to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. On 26 Mays 2009, President Altepe met with Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat, Speaker of the National Assembly Hasan Bozer, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, Turkish Ambassador to Nicosia Şakir Fakılı and Nicosia Mayor Cemal Metin Bulutoğluları.

The programme was jointly organised by Union of Municipalities of Marmara and the Union of Turkish Cypriot Municipalities. The meeting with the President Mehmet Ali Talat took place in an atmosphere of friendship, understanding and mutual respect. "Our support to Turkish Cypriot municipalities will continue and grow." Mr Altepe said.

President Mehmet Ali Talat said that Cyprus and Turkey attaches great importance to the development of cooperation between the municipalities of two countries. Talat also highlighted "the cooperation between municipalities in Europe and neighboring countries is also very important", and pointed out the significant and active role of local governments in the establishment of peace in the world.

Source: http://www.marmara.gov.tr/newsdetail.aspx?newsId=389