The Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026, aiming to further strengthen economic, political, and diplomatic relations between Germany and Turkey under the leadership of younger generations, 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.
The Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026, hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin) on June 26, went beyond celebrating the 30-year sister city partnership between Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin and JCI Ankara, standing out as an international economic and diplomatic platform aimed at shaping the future of Turkish-German economic relations.
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 for International Relations at Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin-Brandenburg.
The two individuals aimed to transform the 30-year sister city relationship between Berlin and Ankara not merely into a symbolic anniversary, but into an international platform that would foster lasting collaborations among young entrepreneurs, the business community, diplomacy, and civil society. The organization's concept, diplomatic contacts, and strategic content were also developed in line with this shared vision.
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Strong support from IHK Berlin
IHK Berlin, one of Germany's most influential economic institutions, contributed to the event's international execution by providing institutional support to the organization.
In his opening speech, IHK Berlin President Sebastian Stietzel highlighted the strategic importance of economic relations between Germany and Turkey for Europe. Stietzel emphasized that international collaborations established among young entrepreneurs hold great value for the future of the European economy.
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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 spearheaded efforts to increase the visibility of the Turkish-German business world for many years, combined with the vision of young generation representatives Ayhan Boran Yavuz and Erdem Sönmez, was regarded as a strong example of institutional continuity and intergenerational solidarity in the Turkish-German business community.
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International call to young entrepreneurs
Project leader Ayhan Boran Yavuz delivered the opening speech of the program, while Erdem Sönmez gave the closing remarks.
In the speeches, it was stated that the sister city relationship between Berlin and Ankara is one of the foundations of a shared future, and it was emphasized that economic cooperation between Turkey and Germany should be further developed.
Participants also highlighted the need for:
- Greater international support for young entrepreneurs,
- Reducing visa barriers for the business community,
- Strengthening economic relations between Turkey and Europe,
- Developing sustainable partnerships based on mutual trust.
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Diplomacy and economy met on the same platform
Dilara Erdem (IHK Berlin) moderated the program, while high-level political and diplomatic representatives from Germany and Turkey attended the conference.
At the event, the following individuals made assessments regarding the future of Turkish-German economic relations:
- 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 Susanne Szech-Koundouros,
- Chief Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin Devran Ayık
Devran Ayık represented Gökhan Turan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin, at the conference.
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Embassy and TD-IHK visits conducted
The program within the scope of Ankara-Berlin Bridge was not limited to the conference.
In the first part of the day, Gökhan Turan, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Berlin, received the JCI Ankara and Wirtschaftsjunioren Berlin delegation at the Embassy.
Subsequently, the delegation was hosted by Okan Özoğlu, General Manager of the Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TD-IHK), at the TD-IHK headquarters.
During the meetings, Turkish-German economic relations, the international role of young entrepreneurs, and potential joint projects for the future were discussed.
Broad participation from Turkish-German institutions
The official delegation from Ankara was led by JCI Ankara President Dr. Begüm Erikçi.
Also present at the event were general managers, board members, and high-level representatives from numerous institutions, including:
- Turkish-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TD-IHK),
- Turkish-German Businessmen Association (TDU),
- European-Turkish Business Network (NETU).
The gathering of business, diplomacy, and civil society under one roof showcased the institutional prestige the organization has achieved at an international level.
New generation cooperation model in Turkish-German relations
Ankara-Berlin Bridge 2026 went beyond being merely 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 being embraced by younger generations.
The organization, carried out under the joint leadership of Ayhan Boran Yavuz and Erdem Sönmez, was regarded as a significant success story that strengthened mutual trust, supported the international vision of young entrepreneurs, and carried Turkish-German friendship into the future.
News: Ayhan Boran Yavuz
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