The International Association of Freight Forwarders and Agent Owners by Road (UKAT) came together with the delegation consisting of representatives of the transportation sector and shipowners from Greece. At the meeting chaired by Ayhan Turan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UKAT, views were exchanged on the opening of the Izmir- Thessaloniki line and the conclusion of new trade agreements. Also decided to seek solutions through mutual initiatives for the visa and transit problems between the two countries.
The Thessaloniki delegation came to Izmir and met with the Board of Directors of UKAT. Ayhan Turan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UKAT, said that the two cities will unite with the Izmir-Thessaloniki ship line. Expressing their excitement for the realization of the project, Turan said that “UKAT has close to 300 members engaged in international logistics. If suitable conditions are provided and certain promises are fulfilled, one thousand of our vehicles can use the Izmir- Thessaloniki line per month.”
Touching on the commercial visa problem between the two countries, Ayhan Turan said, “As UKAT, we have been getting rejected for our commercial visa applications to the Greek Consulate for our truck drivers for 12 years. Once this issue is resolved, I believe we can move forward. For this reason, the mutual exchange of views and cooperation of sector representatives from the two countries will be effective in changing this decision.”
She will operate 3 days a week.
Noting that they want to start voyages between the two countries, Levante Ferries Maritimes Owner George Thedosis stated that they are ready to serve three days a week with two ships on the Izmir- Thessaloniki line. Expressing that they want to work with UKAT members, Thedosis promised to meet with the authorities and help with the solution of the commercial visa problem between the two countries.
