France/“We’re in the era of city twinning 2.0”: Brest aims to take a major step forward, particularly in economic terms

The new municipal and metropolitan majority in Brest intends to give new momentum to sister city relationships by establishing new ones and placing greater emphasis on their economic benefits. An interview with elected official Yoann Longuestre.

Has the significance of sister city relationships changed over time?

Yoann Longuestre, Deputy Mayor of Brest in charge of sister cities and international relations: “We are in the era of Sister Cities 2.0. They are historically significant because they serve as a bond of friendship between the peoples of Europe. City diplomacy is the oldest form of diplomacy in the world, even though diplomacy isn’t our primary role. People from Plymouth have been coming here every year for over fifty years, and vice versa—even during the COVID-19 pandemic and since Brexit. Couples have formed. Exchanges with our German counterparts in Kiel are also very strong—in culture, sports, and more. We’re working with local clubs and elite athletes to boost Brest’s appeal in this area. We’re also organizing language and sports camps so that young people can exchange experiences within their respective disciplines. These programs are currently being developed. There’s Gaelic football with Ireland, soccer, rugby, and water sports… With Germany, soccer and water sports as well, plus handball. Martial arts with Japan… We also support initiatives in Africa, such as those focused on access to water in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, for example, as well as in Madagascar. The collaboration also extends to economic development. We hope to take this effort to the next level. I invite all companies—from very small businesses to large corporations—to get in touch with us.”

Source: www.letelegramme.fr/