HONORARY CONSULATE OF MEXICO IN KÜTAHYA OPENS

Esin Güral Argat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kütahya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KUTSO), has assumed her duties as Honorary Consul of the United Mexican States in Kütahya. At the ceremony held in Kütahya with the participation of Francisco Javier Díaz de León, Ambassador of Mexico, the importance of strengthening economic, commercial, social and cultural relations between the two countries was highlighted.

Established with the aim of contributing to the development of relations between Türkiye and Mexico, the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Kütahya was officially opened at a ceremony held on 4 September 2026. Esin Güral Argat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUTSO, was appointed Honorary Consul of Mexico in Kütahya.

The ceremony was attended by Francisco Javier Díaz de León, Ambassador of Mexico; Fierro Garza, Consul General of Mexico in Istanbul; Arcos Castro, Ambassador of Chile; Alam Lora, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic; Recinos, Ambassador of Guatemala; a delegation from the Embassy of Mexico; Kütahya Members of Parliament Ali Fazıl Kasap and Ahmet Erbaş; Kütahya Mayor Eyüp Kahveci; Prof. Dr İsmail Yalçın, Vice Rector of Dumlupınar University; provincial chairpersons of political parties; representatives of the business community and civil society organisations; members of the press; and numerous guests.

During the ceremony, Esin Güral Argat was presented with her official certificate of appointment by Francisco Javier Díaz de León, Ambassador of Mexico.

“I regard this responsibility not as a title, but as a promise”

In her address at the ceremony, Esin Güral Argat expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her and said: “My experience has taught me that the real obstacle between two economies is never distance. The real obstacle is the absence of someone willing to step forward and patiently build that connection in person, with a genuine affection for both sides. I intend to be that person between Mexico and this region. I regard this responsibility not as a title, but as a promise, and I do not leave my promises unfulfilled. May this be the beginning of many bridges to be built between our two nations.”

Argat stated that, through her previous investment activities, she had travelled extensively across Mexico and had come to know the country closely. She continued: “Mexico is a country with extraordinary energy, proud, warm and generous people, and a great industrial vision. Like Türkiye, it is a nation that refuses to wait for the future and instead chooses to build it. Therefore, by honouring me with this consular role today, Mexico is not 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”

Emphasising that the two countries share many common strengths, particularly in manufacturing, Esin Güral Argat continued:

“The affinity between glass and machinery, furnaces and factory floors; between two peoples who take raw materials, transform them into value, and then carry that value across 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 the ocean. We are two producers who should be sitting at the same table. That is precisely what this Consulate will help build. It will serve not only Kütahya, but this entire industrial heartland, which includes Bursa, Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar and represents one of Türkiye’s true driving forces. This will not be a one-way gesture of goodwill; it will be a bridge in both directions.”

“We will bring Mexico and Anatolia together”

Highlighting the importance of establishing stronger ties between the two countries in numerous areas, from trade and tourism to manufacturing and education, Argat said: “I will work to bring Turkish investment, industry and expertise to Mexico, while bringing Mexico’s trade, opportunities and partnerships to Anatolia. I will open doors in trade, manufacturing and tourism, but above all for exchanges between our young people. Because the strongest bridges are those crossed in both directions by our students and entrepreneurs. To every Mexican citizen living, working or travelling in this region, I say: from today onwards, you have an open door here.”

“From Kütahya, we are opening a new window onto the heart of Western Anatolia”

Francisco Javier Díaz de León, Ambassador of Mexico, stated that the opening of the Honorary Consulate in Kütahya marked a historic step towards strengthening relations between the two countries at the local level.

Ambassador Díaz de León said: “Today, we are taking a historic step towards localising and further deepening the strong diplomatic relations between Mexico and Türkiye, which span almost a century, and we are opening a new window from Mexico onto the heart of Western Anatolia.”

Describing Kütahya as a strategically important geographical and industrial centre with links to major provinces such as Bursa, Eskişehir and Afyonkarahisar, Díaz de León stated that the new Honorary Consulate would serve as Mexico’s point of representation in the region.

“From today onwards, this new Honorary Consulate will serve as our presence in the region, promoting new business opportunities, investment and cooperation across various sectors,” Díaz de León said.

“We entrust this responsibility to Ms Esin Güral Argat”

In his address, Ambassador Díaz de León also spoke about Esin Güral Argat, Honorary Consul of Mexico in Kütahya, highlighting her position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of KUTSO, her experience in international business and her leadership vision.

“It is a great privilege for me to formally introduce our new Honorary Consul, Ms Esin Güral Argat,” said Díaz de León. “We entrust you with the responsibility of strengthening the existing strategic partnership that Mexico and Türkiye are actively developing.”

Expressing his appreciation for the support received from Türkiye and Kütahya in establishing the Honorary Consulate, the Ambassador said: “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 stated that the Honorary Consulate would play an important role in safeguarding Mexico’s interests in the region and supporting Mexican citizens travelling or residing there, and wished Esin Güral Argat every success in her new role.

Mexican culture celebrated in Kütahya

Following the opening ceremony, guests attended a programme showcasing Mexican culture. Alongside a selection of traditional Mexican cuisine, live music and dance performances added colour to the event. Guests came together in an atmosphere reflecting the cultural affinity between the two countries.

In the period ahead, the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in Kütahya will work to develop commercial relations between the two countries, explore mutual investment opportunities, expand cooperation and strengthen cultural ties.

News: KUTSO Press Office