We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of H.E. Ion Iliescu, a great friend of the Marmara Group Foundation, recipient of the Marmara Group Foundation Medal of Honor, and one of the founding participants of the Eurasian Economic Summits.

President Iliescu, the first democratically elected head of state of Romania following the fall of communism, was a distinguished statesman who held the work of the Marmara Group Foundation in high esteem. For many years, he actively participated in various events alongside the Foundation and Dr. Akkan Suver. His passing represents an immense loss, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Romania during this time of sorrow.

Not long ago, on the occasion of H.E. Ion Iliescu’s 95th birthday, Dr. Akkan Suver sent the following message to Bucharest. We are publishing it in full below. (The message is also available to view live on YouTube.)

-https://youtu.be/Dl36ecxKBAM-

“Esteemed and Honorable President,

On the occasion of your 95th birthday, I extend to Your Excellency my deepest respect and warmest regards, as one of the wisest and most resolute statesmen living in the Balkans.

At the outset, I wish Your Excellency and your esteemed wife a life full of health, peace, and well-being.

As you may recall, exactly 12 years ago, we celebrated your 83rd birthday together with our dear friend Mr. Petru Lucinschi at the historic Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest. Since then, time has passed; today, you have reached the age of 95, while I have now arrived at the age you were then.

From the very day I met you, you have honored me by keeping me close, never withholding your friendship and graciousness.

We participated together for many years in the Eurasian Economic Summits organized by the Marmara Group Foundation.
Under the umbrella of the Balkan Political Club—an elite platform—we worked shoulder to shoulder in Athens, Sofia, Ohrid, and Bucharest, striving for peace and stability in the Balkans and contributing to the EU accession processes of Balkan countries.

As I have said before, your sincerity and elegance during that meaningful celebration of your 83rd birthday remain fresh in my memory.

It was a great honor for me to read your valuable and impactful article written for the commemorative book prepared on the occasion of my 70th birthday. Furthermore, you paid me the highest compliment by including me in your own book and having me by your side at its launch.

Together with our late President Süleyman Demirel, you became one of the architects of Turkish-Romanian friendship 35 years ago.
If today the relations between our two countries have reached a level that is cited as exemplary in the international arena, it is thanks to your efforts, vision, and foresight.

Thanks to Your Excellency’s cherished friendship, I now have two dear friends in Romania who are loyal followers of your ideas: Mr. Ionuț Vulpescu and Mr. Viktor Opaschi. They are living memories and entrusted legacies of you to us.

You will continue to be remembered with deep respect and affection not only in the hearts of the Romanian people but perhaps in the hearts of all Balkan peoples; for you are a distinguished leader and exceptional personality who has guided Romania and the Balkan region to peace and stability.

Please accept my deepest gratitude and highest regards.

With loyalty and enduring respect,”
Dr. Akkan Suver