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Wellington and Beijing Sign to Become Sister Cities08.05.06 |
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Wellington will become a league of nations this week as almost 200 delegates from around the world and New Zealand descend on the Capital from 9 - 12 May for the Sister Cities New Zealand 25th Anniversary Conference 2006. "This is a very important conference and we are delighted to be hosting it in Wellington," says Mayor Kerry Prendergast. "Delegates will come from as far away as the United States, China, Japan, Nigeria and Australia. Other mayors and councillors from around the country are also coming to the conference. It will allow all those attending to forge stronger relationships and enhance cultural, educational and business links." A highlight of the conference will be the formal signing of a new Sister City Relationship between Wellington and Beijing on Wednesday 10 May. Wellington has enjoyed a friendly relationship with Beijing for many years and we agreed to become formal sister cities late last year. "We are very much looking forward to signing a sister city agreement with Beijing which is the political, economic, social and cultural centre of Mainland China. A sister city relationship will open up many opportunities for citizens of both our cities," says Mayor Prendergast. The relationship between the two cities is already very strong, with many visits by civic and business delegates. There have been cultural festivals, teacher training exchanges and local government training in Wellington for officials from Beijing as well as mayoral and business and civic delegations. "Wellingtonians may remember the absolutely fantastic fireworks display in February last year to celebrate Chinese New Year which was a gift from Beijing. We are very fortunate to have Beijing as our sister city," says Mayor Prendergast. Wellington already has sister city relationships with Sakai in Japan and Xiamen, in China, together with historical sister city relationships with Hania in Crete and Harrogate in England. Historical sister city relationships are based on past or ceremonial links. The Wellington-Beijing agreement will be signed by Mayor Kerry Prendergast and the Deputy Mayor of Beijing, Mr Sun Anmin, at The conference marks the first Sister City relationship formed in New Zealand between Hastings and Guilin, China. It is also the 50th anniversary of the worldwide sister cities movement. The conference is being chaired by Deputy Mayor Alick Shaw. Related LinksDepartment Details: |
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