Sister city since: June 6, 2013

Overview

Izmir is the third largest city and the second largest port in Türkiye, with a population of 4.4 million. It is one of the most important industrial, commercial, foreign trade and shipping centers in Türkiye. As a historical and cultural city, it is a popular tourist destination. Izmir has well-developed agriculture and industrial sectors. The city is only secondary to Istanbul in terms of economic output value. It ranks the third among all cities in Türkiye in terms of per capita GDP.

Relations with Wuhan

In November 2008, then Mayor Ruan Chengfa led a delegation to Izmir. During the visit, Mayor Ruan met with Governor of Izmir and held a press conference.

In May 2009, Izmir Governor, together with representatives of chambers of commerce and enterprises, visited Wuhan.

In August 2009, Zhang Xuebao, then-Vice Mayor and also member of the Standing Committee of Wuhan CPC Municipal Committee, led a delegation to Izmir to discuss agricultural cooperation. In November, Hu Shuguang, then Deputy Secretary of the CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee, led a delegation to Izmir. During this visit, Hu presented a letter of intent on establishing sister city relations to Izmir government and the two sides discussed cooperation in people-to-people exchanges and education.

In June 2013, then Mayor Tang Liangzhi led a delegation to Izmir and signed an agreement on the establishment of sister city relations between the two cities. In September, Zhang Wentong, then Director of the East Lake High-tech Development Zone Management Administration, visited Izmir.

In June 2014, a six-member delegation from Wuhan East Lake Free Trade Zone Construction Management Company visited Izmir and signed a cooperation agreement with Aegean Free Trade Zone.

In September 2015, Hu Xukun, then Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Wuhan Municipal People’s Congress, led a delegation to Izmir to discuss cooperation between the two cities in water management and environmental protection.

In November 2020, when Izmir was hit by an earthquake, Zhou Xianwang, then mayor of Wuhan, sent a letter of condolence to Izmir.

In April 2021, Wuhan sent a letter of support for Izmir’s bid to be a UNESCO City of Design.