Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026, aiming to further strengthen economic, political, and diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey under the leadership of the younger generation, was held in Berlin with broad participation. The organization, which brought together Turkish and German business, diplomacy, and civil society representatives on the same platform, became the stage for important messages regarding the future of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin) on June 26, Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026 stood out as an international economy and diplomacy platform aiming to shape the future of Turkish-German economic relations, going beyond celebrating the 30-year sister city partnership between Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin and JCI Ankara.
A Shared Vision Carrying Turkish-German Friendship into the Future
The project was brought to life under the joint leadership of Ayhan Boran Yavuz, Head of International and Intercultural Relations at Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin, and Erdem Sönmez, Member of the Board of Directors for International Relations at Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin-Brandenburg.
The two individuals aimed to transform the 30-year sister city relationship between Berlin and Ankara not just into a symbolic anniversary, but into an international platform that fosters lasting collaborations among young entrepreneurs, the business world, diplomacy, and civil society. The organization's concept, diplomatic contacts, and strategic content were also developed in line with this shared vision.
Strong Support from IHK Berlin
IHK Berlin, one of Germany's most influential economic institutions, provided institutional support for the organization, contributing to its international realization.
In his opening speech, President of IHK Berlin Sebastian Stietzel highlighted the strategic importance of economic relations between Germany and Turkey for Europe. Stietzel emphasized the great value of international collaborations to be established among young entrepreneurs for the future of the European economy.
Intergenerational Solidarity in the Turkish-German Business World
Among the significant supporters of the event was Birol Becer, the first member of Turkish origin on the IHK Berlin Board of Directors.
Becer's support for the organization, who has been leading efforts to increase the visibility of the Turkish-German business world for many years, was evaluated as a strong example of institutional continuity and intergenerational solidarity in the Turkish-German business world, combined with the vision of young generation representatives Ayhan Boran Yavuz and Erdem Sönmez.
An International Call to Young Entrepreneurs
Project leader Ayhan Boran Yavuz delivered the opening speech of the program, and Erdem Sönmez delivered the closing speech.
In their speeches, it was stated that the sister city relationship between Berlin and Ankara is one of the foundations of a common future, and it was emphasized that economic cooperation between Turkey and Germany should be further developed.
Participants also pointed out the need for:
- Greater support for young entrepreneurs in the international arena,
- Reducing visa obstacles for the business world,
- Strengthening economic relations between Turkey and Europe,
- Developing sustainable partnerships based on mutual trust.
was highlighted.
Diplomacy and Economy Met on the Same Platform
The program was moderated by Dilara Erdem (IHK Berlin), and high-level political and diplomatic representatives from Germany and Turkey attended the conference.
At the event:
- State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Dr. Claudia Elif Stutz,
- Head of the European Department at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Susanne Szech-Koundouros,
- Chief Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin Devran Ayık
made assessments regarding the future of Turkish-German economic relations.
Devran Ayık represented the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin, Gökhan Turan, at the conference.
Visits to the Embassy and TD-IHK Were Conducted
The program within the scope of Ankara-Berlin Bridge was not limited to the conference.
In the first part of the day, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin, Gökhan Turan, received the delegations of JCI Ankara and Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin at the Embassy.
Following this, the delegation was hosted at the TD-IHK headquarters by the General Manager of the Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TD-IHK), Okan Özoğlu.
Discussions covered Turkish-German economic relations, the international role of young entrepreneurs, and joint projects that could be implemented in the future.
Broad Participation from Turkish-German Institutions
The official delegation from Ankara was led by JCI Ankara President Dr. Begüm Erikçi.
At the event, also present were:
- The Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TD-IHK),
- The Turkish-German Business Association (TDU),
- The Network of European-Turkish Businesses (NETU)
including general managers, board members, and high-level representatives from numerous institutions.
The convergence of the business world, diplomacy, and civil society under one roof demonstrated the institutional prestige the organization has achieved on an international level.
A New Generation Cooperation Model in Turkish-German Relations
Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026 went beyond being a symbolic event celebrating a 30-year sister city relationship, standing out as an exemplary international platform demonstrating that the economic and political dialogue between Turkey and Germany is embraced by the younger generations.
The organization, realized under the joint leadership of Ayhan Boran Yavuz and Erdem Sönmez, was evaluated as a significant success story that strengthens mutual trust, supports the international vision of young entrepreneurs, and carries Turkish-German friendship into the future.
News by: Ayhan Boran Yavuz
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