Bartın

Spending the night in Zonguldak, President Gül proceeded to the city of Bartın in the morning where he was welcomed by Governor Ali Çınar; MPs; Marine Regiment Command Senior Col. Mehmet Erdemir; Mayor Cemal Akın; Gendarmerie Commander Col. Alaaddin Karsavuran and Provincial Police Chief Mehmet Altınok. The President had a memoir photo taken with the folk dance team.

The President later addressed citizens waiting for him in front of the governorate and shared his happiness to be visiting the city of Bartın, which he said is a city of peace, tranquility and union and solidarity and which also enjoys natural beauties. Noting that Zonguldak and Bartın are two sister cities, President Gül reiterated that “we all wish to leave an even better Turkey to our children. This is why we are making tireless efforts to achieve this.”

PRESIDENT GÜL’S VISIT TO MUNICIPALITY

Welcomed by Mayor Cemal Akın in front of the city hall, President Gül underscored the importance that the municipality be very careful not to spoil the natural beauties of the city of Bartın while it carries out projects to develop the city. This requires a visionary approach from mayors indeed, he said.

Bartın, the President continued, is known for its mansions, so he suggested to the municipality that it should preserve these structures as well.

After that, President Gül visited the Marine Regiment Command.

LUNCHEON WITH CITIZENS

President Gül afterwards met with leading citizens including families of martyrs and war veterans; NGO representatives; officials and business leaders during a luncheon given in his honor. The President delivered a speech at the luncheon during which he said: “A President’s domestic visits consolidate union and solidarity among the people, so I always try to achieve this during my visits to cities across the country. I am happy at observing here the peace, solidarity and coordination among our citizens today. We all should cherish these and our country as well. We are all doing our best to raise our country’s level in all areas. I am sure that you are aware that Turkey has achieved great developments in all areas including the social services in the last decade. In order for us all to continue enjoying these, we should work hand in hand. It is natural that there are diverse and different ideas and political approaches toward issues, but we should not regard pluralism as fights and strifes.”

PRESIDENT GÜL WITH CITIZENS ON HÜKÜMET STREET

The President later took a walk on Hükümet Street along which he greeted citizens and he had a memoir photo taken with them. He further stopped by at the Bartın Gazette, which was established 90 years ago and which is still published. The President also visited Talat Gizli, an old friend of his from the Welfare Party.

PRESIDENT GÜL’S VISIT TO BARTIN UNIVERSITY

The President was welcomed by Rector Prof. Dr. Ramazan Kaplan, the academicians and students in front of the rectorate. He encouraged the university to achieve more.

PRESIDENT GÜL IN AMASRA

After having completed his program in the city of Bartın, President Gül proceeded to the county of Amasra. Greeting the citizenswho were waiting for him in front of the provincial governorate, President Gül walked to the Amasra Castle and enjoyed the enthusiasm of the people on the way to the castle.

President Gül afterwards returned to Istanbul.