Kasselakis also said that his grandparent's origin is Istanbul.
The president of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Stefanos Kasselakis, met with the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem İmamoğlu, today.
During their meeting, the president of SYRIZA-PS said: "Thank you very much for your warm words, for the warm welcome. First of all, I would like to thank you for the support you have given to the Greek Orthodox community here in Istanbul on many issues, but mainly on infrastructure issues."
"You may not know it, but I have roots in Istanbul. My great-grandfather and grandmother were from here. So I feel both excited and at home here in Istanbul.
"We, as the official opposition, and I personally, are in favour of the positive dialogue and the positive agenda between Turkey and Greece and all the efforts that you also support for peace between the two peoples.
"I also know that you have implemented a reform project here in Istanbul, such as with the various communities and the metro. As we can cultivate our relations from here on positively, it would be welcome for us also be welcome in Athens to meet us there when you visit us".
In turn, the mayor of Istanbul declared: "Mr. President, I am very glad to see you in Istanbul. First of all, I wish you a beautiful day in Istanbul. We have placed you opposite with a wonderful photo of Istanbul so that both your warmth and emotions will rise even more.
"Relations between Turkey and Greece are, of course, largely linked to Istanbul's relations with Greek cities. I can say that we have made significant steps in this direction recently.
"Over the last three years, we have had a very special period of relations with many cities in Greece, especially Athens, both through our individual cities and through B40, the Balkan Cities Network that we have created together. Of course, we want to develop this even further and manage it in the form of much more intensive relationships.
"We have elections ahead of us. I hope we can make stronger steps between cities after the election. Of course, I welcomed you as the mayor of Istanbul and wanted to share these feelings about Istanbul with you.
"However, at the same time, as a member of the Republican People's Party and as a member of a social democratic party, I am joined today by Mr. Gökhan, the deputy head of our group from the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. As a party with which we have good relations, I congratulate you on your election as President and wish you much success.
"It was a coincidence not long ago. I had a telephone conversation with Mr Özgür Özel, our president, and I hope that this process, which coincides with his assumption of the presidency at this time, will be a successful period for both countries. I would like to take this opportunity to convey his greetings to you. I welcome you again and wish you success."
It is noted that the president of SYRIZA was accompanied by his diplomatic adviser, Vangelis Klapadakis, the MP Evangelos Apostolakis, the director of Mr Kasselakis' office, Manolis Kapnisakis and the former MP and member of the Central Committee, Yiannis Bournos.
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