Cebu gets sister city in Turkey

CEBU, Philippines - The long-pending sisterhood agreement between the Cebu City government and the City of Izmir in Turkey will be formalized soon.

Cebu City Protocol Officer Ryan Necitas Echevarria said that the sisterhood agreement was approved yesterday by the City of Izmir.

Both parties are now ready for signing and the officials of Izmir are just waiting for Cebu City delegates to visit Turkey anytime.

But due to lack of budget for foreign travel, Echevarria said that they will invite the officials of Izmir to visit Cebu instead.

This year’s annual budget did not include budget for foreign travel in any department.

Echevarria said that the lack of budget for foreign travel may allow city officials to travel abroad if the inviting party shoulders their expenses or if the city officials will spend money from their own pockets.

But Echevarria also said that there are more advantages if Izmir officials visit Cebu City.

Izmir is the second largest port city in Turkey.

In 2010, Mayor Aziz Kocaoglu of Izmir informed Mayor Michael Rama in a letter that all procedures are in place for the formal signing of the pact but it was delayed for some reason.

Cebu City and Izmir have both expressed interest to develop ties and mutual cooperation as both see a potential productive partnership in the field of local governance, economic development as well as socio-cultural activities, tourism and fair organizations.

The other twin towns and sister cities of Cebu City are Barcelona in Spain, Valparaiso in Chile, Salinas in California, USA, Seattle in Washington, USA, Chula Vista in California, USA, St. Petersburg in Russia, Vladimir in Russia, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Bandung in Indonesia, Kortrijk in Belgium, Haarlemmermeer in the Netherlands, Yeosu in South Korea and Kaohsiung City in Taiwan.  (FREEMAN)