Latest news with #FriendlyCityAgreement
RNZ News
7 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
Wellington and Ramallah sign Friendly City Agreement
Ramallah Mayor Mayor Issa Kassis and Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau held an online meeting and simultaneously signed the Friendly City Agreement. Photo: Supplied / Wellington City Council Wellington and the Palestinian city of Ramallah have signed a partnership agreement aimed at promoting collaboration and cooperation between the two places. The Friendly City Agreement was signed simultaneously by Mayor Tory Whanau in Wellington and Mayor Issa Kassis, who joined online from Ramallah. Whanau said she was proud to formalise the partnership. "In light of the genocide in Gaza, this partnership serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. It is through such relationships that we can promote understanding and work towards a more peaceful future." Kassis said the agreement marked a milestone for the people of Ramallah and all Palestinians. "At a time of profound hardship for our nation, this gesture of friendship resonates deeply. "It embodies the values of solidarity, dignity, and international cooperation. We look forward to building strong bridges between our communities and working together to advance peace, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding." Whanau and Kassis held their first online meeting in April last year and during their discussion explored how to foster collaboration between the two cities. In 2023, Wellington City Council voted to initiate a Friendly City relationship with Ramallah, the first step towards becoming sister cities. Ramallah has a population of about 85,000 people and is located 16 kilometres north of Jerusalem on the West Bank. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Historic Partnership: Wellington And Ramallah Sign Friendly City Agreement
Wellington City and the Palestinian city of Ramallah today celebrated a significant step in their relationship with the signing of the 'Friendly City Agreement.' The partnership agreement, aimed at promoting collaboration and cooperation between Wellington and Ramallah, was signed simultaneously by Mayor Tory Whanau in Wellington and by Mayor Issa Kassis, who joined online from Ramallah. 'We are proud to formalise our partnership with Ramallah through this Friendly City Agreement,' says Mayor Whanau. 'In light of the genocide in Gaza, this partnership serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. It is through such relationships that we can promote understanding and work towards a more peaceful future.' 'This agreement with Wellington marks a significant milestone for the people of Ramallah and all Palestinians. At a time of profound hardship for our nation, this gesture of friendship resonates deeply,' says Mayor Kassis. 'It embodies the values of solidarity, dignity, and international cooperation. We look forward to building strong bridges between our communities and working together to advance peace, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.' Ramallah is located 16 kilometres north of Jerusalem in the heart of the West Bank. It is a vibrant cultural, commercial, and administrative centre for the Palestinian Authority, and is home to around 85,000 people. In addition to Ramallah, Wellington has 13 other international city-to-city relationships. These vital partnerships strengthen our cultural, educational, and business links, create valuable networks, and foster collaboration on key issues. In 2023, Wellington City Council voted to initiate a Friendly City relationship with Ramallah, the first step in their journey towards becoming sister cities. Mayor Whanau and Mayor Kassis held their first formal online meeting in April 2024. During their discussion, they explored various avenues to strengthen connections and foster collaboration. The two cities hope to foster continuous learning and exchange, seeking to boost opportunities for cooperation across various areas like arts and culture, environment, enterprise and innovation, youth development, education, and creative industries.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Historic Partnership: Wellington And Ramallah Sign Friendly City Agreement
Wellington City and the Palestinian city of Ramallah today celebrated a significant step in their relationship with the signing of the 'Friendly City Agreement.' The partnership agreement, aimed at promoting collaboration and cooperation between Wellington and Ramallah, was signed simultaneously by Mayor Tory Whanau in Wellington and by Mayor Issa Kassis, who joined online from Ramallah. 'We are proud to formalise our partnership with Ramallah through this Friendly City Agreement,' says Mayor Whanau. 'In light of the genocide in Gaza, this partnership serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope. It is through such relationships that we can promote understanding and work towards a more peaceful future.' 'This agreement with Wellington marks a significant milestone for the people of Ramallah and all Palestinians. At a time of profound hardship for our nation, this gesture of friendship resonates deeply,' says Mayor Kassis. 'It embodies the values of solidarity, dignity, and international cooperation. We look forward to building strong bridges between our communities and working together to advance peace, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.' Ramallah is located 16 kilometres north of Jerusalem in the heart of the West Bank. It is a vibrant cultural, commercial, and administrative centre for the Palestinian Authority, and is home to around 85,000 people. In addition to Ramallah, Wellington has 13 other international city-to-city relationships. These vital partnerships strengthen our cultural, educational, and business links, create valuable networks, and foster collaboration on key issues. In 2023, Wellington City Council voted to initiate a Friendly City relationship with Ramallah, the first step in their journey towards becoming sister cities. Mayor Whanau and Mayor Kassis held their first formal online meeting in April 2024. During their discussion, they explored various avenues to strengthen connections and foster collaboration. The two cities hope to foster continuous learning and exchange, seeking to boost opportunities for cooperation across various areas like arts and culture, environment, enterprise and innovation, youth development, education, and creative industries.
