Two shores of the Aegean met for friendship and brotherhood
Following the first leg of the 6th Two Shores Culture Festival held on May 8-9-10 in Bodrum, organized in cooperation with Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, Bodrum Municipality, and Kos Municipality, the second part of the festival was held in Kos on June 3-4.
The program, which started with a reception at Kos Port, continued with gathering in front of the Hippocrates Statue and a symbolic march to Eleftherias (Freedom) Square accompanied by the Kos Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra. Hosted by Kos Mayor Theodosis Nikitaras, the festival was attended by; Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Rhodes Mebşure Taşkın, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras, Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci, Menteşe Mayor Gonca Köksal Aras, Kos-Nisyros Regional Governor Konstantina Svinou, Lipsi Mayor Fotis Mangos, Patmos Mayor Nikitas Tsampalakis, Nisyros Mayor Christofis Koronaios, Leros Deputy Mayor Eleni Chelmi, Kalymnos Deputy Mayor Kalliopi Koutouzi, Two Shores Culture Festival Committee Chair Nil Taşkıran, Bodrum Municipality deputy mayors and council members.
In his opening speech, Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras emphasized the importance of establishing peace in the Aegean during a challenging time in the world, stating: “First of all, I thank my dear friend Kos Mayor Theodosis Nikitaras and the Kos Municipality team for their hospitality. In this period when the world is going through difficult days; I am very happy that we have nurtured peace, brotherhood, love, and friendship in this region. The flags of the two countries waving first in the Bodrum wind on May 9 and then today in Kos with the Aegean breeze actually show that our hearts are united, and our brotherhood and friendship are now eternal.”
Host Kos Mayor Theodosis Nikitaras, highlighting the unifying mission of the Aegean in his speech, expressed his honor to host guests from Bodrum and Muğla along with representatives from surrounding islands, stating that the festival made the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two shores permanent.
Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci stressed the unifying power of the Aegean in his speech at the event, expressing his feelings as follows:
“We are peoples who share the same sea and the same sun. The Aegean does not separate us; the Aegean unites us.
Our culture, art, and friendship are the strongest bridges between us. I thank everyone who contributed, especially Kos Mayor Mr. Theodosis Nikitaras, who warmly hosted us. I convey the greetings, love, and friendship of the people of Bodrum to you. Long live our friendship, long live our brotherhood! Long live the Aegean that unites us!”
The festival concluded with traditional performances by folk dance groups from both shores and a friendship concert featuring valuable artists from both sides.
