OREANDA-NEWS. August 30, 2013. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), operator of O'Hare and Midway International Airports, and the General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey (DHMI), operator of Turkish Airlines' primary hub - Istanbul Ataturk International Airport, joined forces by signing a "Sister Airport" agreement. The agreement formalizes a commitment between the airport authorities to work collaboratively to strengthen air service, trade, tourism and cultural links between Chicago and Istanbul.

At today's event in downtown Chicago, CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino and Orhan Birdal, Chairman of the Board and Director General of DHMI formally established the new partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

"This agreement between Chicago and Istanbul is an exciting opportunity to enhance connectivity and business opportunities, and promote tourism and cultural ties," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "Attracting more international visitors to our city is a key focus of my administration, and promoting Chicago as a global center for travel and business is essential for our long-term success."

In addition to the signing ceremony, several distinguished guests gave remarks at the event. They included Michael Madigan, Speaker, Illinois House of Representatives; Faith Yildiz, Consul General of Turkey in Chicago; Mary O'Connor, Alderman, 41st Ward and Don Welsh, President and CEO, ChooseChicago. Levent Selvii, General Manager, Turkish Airlines, Chicago; Sharif Soydan, President and CEO, Niagara Foundation; Hilmi Cinar, Vice President, Niagara Foundation and Jenny CiznerDirector of Protocol Office of the Mayor, International Relations and Protocol, also attended the ceremony.

Speaking in Turkish with a translator, Chairman Birdal expressed the importance of today's event. "Our goal is to reach many people throughout the world and Chicago is one of our goals," said Chairman Birdal. "Through our Sister Airport agreement with Chicago O'Hare, we hope to mutually improve customer service, operations and sustainable initiatives, and enhance the relationship between our two cities."

While the MOU is not a legally binding contract, it reflects the intention that the CDA and DHMI will work together to develop mutually beneficial relationship to further the business, commercial and economic growth for their respective cities, regions while fostering mutual cooperation in all aspects of the aviation industry.

"I want to express how excited we are to form this new partnership with our friends in the Middle East." Andolino said. "As new airport partners, we will not only explore business, trade and cultural relations between our two cities, we will also are share information, expertise and experience in the areas of airport management, technology, planning, construction and sustainability."