Purpose: The Australian City of Salisbury has an explicit policy to encourage international cooperation in the economic, scientific, cultural and other areas.
Process:
The “Sister City and Friendship Selection and Maintenance Policy” is a strategic document which encourages international cooperation of Salisbury and its sister and friendship cities Mobara in Japan and Linyi in China. The sister and friendship city relationships promote economic, educational and cultural development between cities resulting in enhanced opportunities for the residents of Salisbury. The Strategic and International Partnership Committee plays a key role in developing strategic international relationships. The committee is currently working with the Council staff to examine further opportunities to expand the City of Salisbury’s international relationships.
The City Council has a specific financial provision for this policy as well as a foreign student exchange programme that reach out to exchange students from Mobara, Japan. An example is the annual one week exchange programme where Twelve25 Youth Centre and local schools host sport and cultural activities, outings, tours, and team building exercises for 30 students. The students are formally welcomed and farewelled in a Ceremony and the City Council staff is encouraged to host students in their houses.
Key reference documents:
- Salisbury Sister City and Friendship City Selection and Maintenance Policy
- Salisbury Sister City and Friendship City Selection and Maintenance Procedure
