Social regeneration and European affairs

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 between our two cities 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.

The twinning activities are the responsibility of the International Relations Committee that involves Medway councillors alongside representatives of the local community.

Japan

Ito City (www.city.ito.shizuoka.jp/ito/08english/08english.html)
Yokosuka (www.city.yokosuka.kanagawa.jp/e/index.html)
These links were forged by Gillingham Borough Council in August 1982, in recognition of the link made between the two countries 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 City of Cadiz, which, like Medway, is rich in naval military history. The city of Cadiz shares with Medway the experience of the reduction of a military presence that has brought about a restructuring of the local economy.

The Medway International Relations Committee has responsibility for the activities of the four groups that have been set up to represent Medway to each of our partner countries. The groups are formed of elected members, local businesses and members of the public and have been formed to continue to build links in art, culture, commerce and sport and to create better understanding between nations and citizens of our partner cities.

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