Third Asian Mayors Forum took place in Bangkok 17.12.2012

Asian Mayors Forum 3rd General Assembly Meeting on Local Governance: Urban Initiatives for Progress&Justice was held on 28-29 November 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and President of United Cities Local Governments (UCLG) attended the meeting through a video message. Mehmet Duman, United Cities Local Governments Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA) Secretary General; Tansel Kaya İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Councilor and Selamettin Ermiş Director of Foreign Relations Department of IMM also took part in this Forum. Mr. Topbaş expressed that he regards Asian Mayors Forum as a friendship meeting, saying: ‘‘we all are like different branches of a tree; our roots, lands and aims are the same.’’ Mr.Topbaş said: ‘‘In order to provide a better world for the next generations, we have taken important steps and we have demonstrated the impact and power of city diplomacy. Mayor Kadir Topbaş also reminded his last visit to Guangzhou, China on the occasion of Metropolis Board of Directors on November 16th saying: ‘‘We made important contacts. We planted a friendship tree. I believe that this tree will fruit as more cooperation, a better future and permanent peace. Even if we speak different languages, we share the same feelings. During my visit to China, Presidency of the Urban Transformation Commission was offered to me. I accepted this offer on behalf of the whole UCLG family. I believe that we will succeed much better works together. On every occasion I mention the importance of collaboration among Asian cities. Please be aware of this power.’’