|
Medway has partnership, friendship and twinning links with France, Japan, China and Spain. These links are represented by the following cities.
France
- Valenciennes
www.valenciennes.fr
This is the second oldest link in the UK and dates back to 1955. There have been regular exchanges and the sharing of ideas of mutual benefit. Many joint projects have been undertaken and this includes the annual visit of representatives of the town of Valenciennes to the Dickens Festival held each summer. Other notable European Union (EU) financed cross-border projects between Valenciennes and Medway include the Arts Movement Initiative and the development of specialist training for the engineering industry, particularly for older workers under the OASES project.
Japan
These links were forged by Gillingham Borough Council in August 1982 in recognition of the link made by Gillingham–born seafarer Will Adams in the 16th century. Each year student exchanges are held between the cities and in September a festival is held in Gillingham to celebrate the life of Will Adams and present displays of Japanese culture and lifestyle.
China
- Foshan – Chancheng
www.foshan.gov.cn/english
Medway has been developing friendship links with Foshan since 2003 with the help of the Medway Dragon and Lion Dance Association and The Medway-based Kut O Chinese Association. Links are being developed through art, culture, education and sport. Medway also hosts one of largest celebrations of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival in the UK.
Spain
- Cadiz
www.cadiz.es/app
Medway has a twinning arrangement with the Cadiz, which, like Medway, is rich in naval military history. Cadiz shares with Medway the experience of the reduction of a military presence that has brought about a restructuring of the local economy.
International Relations Committee
The twinning activities are the responsibility of the International Relations Committee which involves Medway councillors alongside representatives of the local community.
The committee has responsibility for the activities of the four groups set up to represent Medway to each of its partner countries. The groups are formed of elected members, local businesses and members of the public and continue to build links in art, culture, commerce and sport to create better understanding between nations and citizens of its partner cities.
|
Text version | Accessibility help | Change contrast | Printer friendly
