Turkey & Greece work on new ferry line between Izmir and Thessaloniki

Turkey and Greece are working on a new ferry line between Thessaloniki and İzmir which is expected to set sail in early 2017, drawing the countries closer together in the process. Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris, who has been enthusiastic in encouraging Turks to visit his city, was in Ankara for talks on the ferry line project that will carry both trucks and passengers. In an interview with the Hürriyet Daily News, Boutaris underlined the potential of Turkish tourists visiting his city, noting that more than 5,000 Turks came and visited the house of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk last year on Nov. 10, the anniversary of the passing of the Turkish Republic’s founder.

Boutaris initially attracted criticism for seeking Turkish investment. “Thessaloniki was a conservative city. There are many explanations for that. We have the communist danger, we have the Turkish danger. All these are misrepresented. When you create an enemy, you provide a distraction from everyday problems” he said.

The Greek perception of Turks and Atatürk has changed over time in Thessaloniki, with more Turkish tourists now visiting the city, the mayor said. “Turks and Greeks must understand each other. We must live together forever. We must live like neighbors, we must love each other” he added.

SOURCE: http://www.dha.com.tr/izmir-thessaloniki-to-connect-with-new-ferry-line_1361265.html