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Türkiye's Black Sea city of Trabzon took center stage in Egypt's capital, Cairo, as a 158-member delegation brought together officials and business representatives to promote tourism, trade, culture and regional cooperation between the two countries.
The "Trabzon Meets Cairo" reception, held in the garden of the Turkish Embassy, highlighted the city's tourism potential, culinary traditions and commercial opportunities while seeking to build on growing relations between Türkiye and Egypt.
Turkish Ambassador to Cairo Salih Mutlu Sen described Trabzon as one of Türkiye's most distinctive and significant cities, emphasizing the importance of introducing its cultural and economic assets to Egyptian audiences.
Trabzon Deputy Governor Ali Yilmaz highlighted the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two countries, saying cooperation in tourism and trade should be taken to a higher level.
Trabzon Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Metin Genc also praised Cairo's rich history and cultural heritage, saying he felt at home in the Egyptian capital.
Genc stressed that the improving relationship between Türkiye and Egypt should translate into stronger connections between their cities, communities and tourism industries.
He pointed to the political commitment demonstrated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as an important opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation.
Inviting an Egyptian delegation to visit Trabzon, Genc said: "We believe that today, the world needs a strong Türkiye and a strong Egypt."
Football also featured prominently at the reception, with Genc bringing up Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, whom he described as an outstanding player and a respected public figure.
Referring to Salah's reported addition to Trabzonspor, the city's football club, Genc praised not only his sporting achievements but also his character and willingness to speak up for humanity during difficult times.
He said Salah had earned admiration and respect beyond football through his personal values.
As part of the reception, five Trabzonspor jerseys bearing Salah's name were handed out to guests through a raffle.
Beyond diplomatic and commercial discussions, the reception introduced guests to the cultural traditions of Trabzon, a historic city on Türkiye's Black Sea coast.
Performers staged a horon, a traditional regional folk dance, while chefs from Trabzon prepared kuymak, a local dish made with melted cheese and cornmeal, drawing applause from attendees.
The program continued with live music and a presentation of regional dishes, offering Egyptian guests an introduction to Trabzon's culinary heritage.
Erkut Celebi, president of the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ali Tuna, president of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), also addressed the gathering.
The event was organized under the leadership of Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality in partnership with the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TURSAB and the Trabzon Commodity Exchange, aiming to raise the city's international profile and open up new opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural cooperation.
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