The City of Belmont has renewed its sister city agreement with Adachi-Ku, Japan, commemorating 40 years of international friendship.
Established in October 1984, this partnership has fostered education and cross-cultural understanding, providing City of Belmont residents with unique opportunities to learn, grow, and build meaningful international connections.
City of Belmont Mayor Robert Rossi reflected on the milestone, stating:
“Our sister city relationship with Adachi has enriched both communities over the past 40 years. Renewing this agreement ensures we can continue creating valuable opportunities for our residents to connect and learn.
“More importantly, these exchanges encourage young people to engage globally, develop cross-cultural skills, and build leadership abilities,” said Mayor Rossi.
A highlight of the partnership is the annual student exchanges, which provides young people from the City of Belmont with life-changing experiences and the chance to develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.
Every five years, a citizens' delegation replaces the student exchange to reaffirm the agreement and strengthen the bond between the two cities.
As part of this year’s citizens’ delegation, City of Belmont Mayor Robert Rossi and Adachi Mayor Yayoi Kondo marked the milestone by signing the renewed agreement and exchanging artworks.
To symbolise the enduring friendship, a cherry blossom tree was planted in Belmont Park, Adachi, mirroring the tree planted in Adachi Park, Belmont late last year.
The delegation also engaged in a series of meaningful activities, including visits to a disaster management centre, a school, cultural centres, museums and local industries.
These visits provided valuable insights and fostered discussions on future opportunities for investment and educational collaboration between the two cities.
The renewed agreement focuses on continuing these student delegations and cultural exchanges, paving the way for future generations to foster international understanding and lifelong friendships.
To learn more about the City of Belmont’s sister city relationship and upcoming programs, visit the City’s website.