Sister Cities choose each other on the basis of one or more similar demographic, characteristic, or historical ties and agree by ordinance to participate. They look to each other for assistance and advice on matters including governance, healthcare, housing, and just about anything else facing a city today. The City of Annapolis, Maryland, is proud to take part in this program, partnering with fifteen international cities.
Annapolis first began as a Sister City in 1980, partnering with Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. Since then, Annapolis has twinned with many other cities, including Wexford, Ireland; Dumfries, Scotland; Tallin, Estonia; Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rochefort, France; and Newport, Wales, as well as cities in South Korea, Sweden, Italy, Gambia, and Russia. In addition, Annapolis has letters of interest with the cities of Changsha, China and Tangier, Medina in Morocco, as well Hamilton, Bermuda.
Recently visiting several of Annapolis’ Sister Cities, Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer called the program “cultural mentoring,” and was surprised to find that affordable housing was a common issue. Her visits to each country are an important part of
reaching out and personally showing support and a willingness to learn about each Sister City.
With over twenty years as a Sister City, Annapolis, Maryland proves the value of international partnerships through exchanges of cultural, educational, and historical knowledge and first-hand experiences. Annapolis will continue to strengthen its ties to its fifteen global partners through mutual visits, events, and exchanges of ideas and information. Through these bonds Annapolis will further its Sister City mission of creating a force for international cooperation and understanding through community involvement and people-to-people relationships.
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3 comments:
Are these trips paid by the mayor paid for by city funds or by some other means and if so what means?
I suppose our sister city now is Tijuana. Thanks so much for all you do.
I compliment Annapolis on having a Sister City relationship with Wexford, Ireland and that it ties Commodore John Barry's home with the U.S. Naval Academy's home. I have a brother who is a retired Admiral living in Annapolis (USNA 49 ). Since his days as a Midshipman he has championed the cause of Commodore Barry at USNA and in the Navy. He is distressed to learn that the painting of Commodore Barry in USNA'S Memorial Hall is to be sold. I live in Gettysburg,PA. and a local monument maker tells me he is making a special monument for Commodore Barry that I believe is to be dedicated at USNA in 2009. We wonder where it will be ? Also, as a 16 year member of Historic Gettysburg's Borough Council I commend you on your Sister City program. We have a very special Sister City tie with St. Mere Eglise, Normandy, France. Site of D Day landings in 1945. Both of our towns have seen the horrors of war first hand. We regularly exchange official visits on major Battle anniversaries. A very moving experience for all involved.
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