A New Bridge of Cooperation Between Kütahya and Mexico
Esin Güral Argat, Vice President of the Board of Gürok Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO), has assumed office as the Honorary Consul of the United Mexican States in Kütahya. At the ceremony held in Kütahya with the participation of Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Díaz de León, the importance of strengthening economic and cultural ties between the two countries was highlighted.
Türkiye has gained a new diplomatic gateway to Latin America. Established to strengthen economic, commercial, and cultural relations between Türkiye and Mexico, the Honorary Consulate of the United Mexican States in Kütahya was officially inaugurated at a ceremony. The position of Honorary Consul has been assumed by Esin Güral Argat, Vice President of the Board of Gürok Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO).
The ceremony, held on Friday, September 4, was attended by Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Díaz de León, Consul General of Mexico in Istanbul Fierro Garza, Ambassador of Chile Arcos Castro, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Alam Lora, Ambassador of Guatemala Recinos, a delegation from the Embassy of Mexico, Kütahya Members of Parliament Ali Fazıl Kasap and Ahmet Erbaş, Kütahya Mayor Eyüp Kahveci, Vice Rector of Dumlupınar University Prof. Dr. İsmail Yalçın, provincial heads of political parties in Kütahya, representatives of the business community, leaders of civil society organizations, members of the press, and invited guests. During the ceremony, the official appointment document was presented to Esin Güral Argat by Ambassador Francisco Javier Díaz de León.
In her speech at the ceremony, Esin Güral Argat thanked the Mexican authorities for their trust and said:
“Experience has taught me that distance is never the true obstacle between two economies. The real obstacle is the absence of someone willing to step forward and build that connection with patience, in person, and with a genuine affection for both sides. I intend to be that person between Mexico and this region. I accept this responsibility not as a title, but as a commitment, and I do not leave the commitments I make unfinished. May this be the beginning of many bridges to be built between our two nations.”
Recalling that she had visited many parts of Mexico in the past as part of investment initiatives and had the opportunity to get to know the country closely, Esin Güral Argat said:
“Mexico is a country with extraordinary energy, proud, warm-hearted and generous people, and a great industrial vision… Just like Türkiye, it is a nation that refuses to wait for the future and instead chooses to build it itself. Therefore, when Mexico honors me with this consular responsibility today, it is not actually placing its trust in a stranger. Rather, it is asking someone who has stood on both shores to help others make that crossing as well.”
“We Will Build Bridges in Both Directions”
Emphasizing that the two countries share many common ground, particularly in the field of production, Esin Güral Argat continued:
“The affinity between two peoples who work with glass and machinery, furnaces and factory floors; who take raw materials and transform them into value, and then carry that value to every corner of the world… I have spent my life competing in some of the world’s most challenging markets, and I can say this: Türkiye and Mexico are not two rival countries on opposite sides of an ocean. We are two producers who should be sitting at the same table. This consulate will help build exactly that. It will serve not only Kütahya, but the entire industrial heartland encompassing Bursa, Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar, which is one of the true driving forces of Türkiye. And this will not be a one-sided gesture of goodwill, but a bridge in both directions.”
“We Will Bring Mexico and Anatolia Closer Together”
Highlighting the importance of building stronger ties between the two countries in areas ranging from trade and tourism to production and education, Esin Güral Argat said:
“I will work to bring Turkish investments, industry and know-how to Mexico, and Mexico’s trade, opportunities and partnerships to Anatolia. I will open doors in trade, production and tourism, but above all, for the mutual exchange of our young people. Because the strongest bridges are those crossed in both directions by our students and entrepreneurs. And to every Mexican citizen living, working or traveling in this region, I say: from today on, you have an open door here.”
Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Díaz de León
“From Kütahya, We Are Opening a New Window to the Heart of Western Anatolia”
Mexican Ambassador Francisco Javier Díaz de León stated that the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Kütahya represents a historic step toward strengthening relations between the two countries at the local level.
“Today, we are taking a historic step toward localizing and further deepening the strong diplomatic relations between Mexico and Türkiye, which have a history spanning nearly a century; we are opening a new window from Mexico to the heart of Western Anatolia,” the Ambassador said, noting that Kütahya is a critical geographic and industrial hub with strong connections to important provinces such as Bursa, Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar.
Stating that the new Honorary Consulate in Kütahya will serve as an extension of Mexico in the region, the Ambassador said:
“From today onward, this new Honorary Consulate will serve as our extension in the region, with the aim of promoting new business opportunities, investments and exchanges across various sectors.”
“We Entrust This Responsibility to Ms. Esin Güral Argat”
In his speech, Ambassador Díaz de León also devoted a special section to Honorary Consul Esin Güral Argat. Highlighting her executive experience at Gürok Group and her leadership of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ambassador said:
“It is a great privilege for me to formally present our new Honorary Consul, Ms. Esin Güral Argat.”
Emphasizing that Güral Argat’s experience in the international business world and her leadership vision represent significant assets for the role, the Ambassador said:
“We entrust you with the responsibility of strengthening the existing strategic partnership that Mexico and Türkiye are actively developing.”
The Ambassador also expressed his gratitude for the support received from Türkiye and Kütahya in establishing the Honorary Consulate:
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the local authorities of Kütahya for their warm hospitality and support in making this project a reality.”
Díaz de León also noted that the Honorary Consulate will play an important role in protecting Mexico’s interests in the region and supporting Mexican citizens traveling to or residing in the area, and wished Esin Güral Argat success in her new role.
Mexican Culture Comes Alive in Kütahya
Following the inauguration ceremony, guests were presented with a program showcasing Mexican culture. In addition to traditional Mexican cuisine, live music and dance performances added color to the event. Guests came together in an atmosphere reflecting the cultural affinity between the two countries.
The Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Kütahya will undertake activities aimed at developing commercial relations between the two countries, exploring mutual investment opportunities, and expanding cultural cooperation in the period ahead.