Mayor of Istanbul Dr. Kadir Topbas attended the January's Meeting of the Marmara Foundation Dr. Kadir Topbas who is the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality attended the January’s Dinner of the Marmara Foundation which was held in Istanbul on January 26, 2009. Mayor Topbas delivered an intervention during the meeting. He said "Our primary objective in trasportation is to reach 618 km. long metro railway system in the year of 2023" and added that "Today 21 percent of people living in the European side of Istanbul and 40 percent of people living in the Asian side of Istanbul use public transportation". Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Foundation, said that "Continuity is crucial in terms of urban planning" and added his considerations after the visit of the Delegation of the Foundation to the People's Republic of China. He indicated that "We have to encourage our businessmen to get involved in the projects of this growing country".   Honorary President of the Turkish Jewish Community Mr. Bensiyon Pinto (right) presented a plaque to Dr. Kadir Topbaş (left), Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, on behalf of the Marmara Foundation. Hon. İdris Güllüce, Member of the Turkish Parliament, presented a plaque to  Mr. İsfendiyar Zülfikari on behalf of the Marmara Foundation.