The Northern Irish city of Belfast this week signed a ‘sister cities’ agreement with Boston to better foster trade and tourism links between the two cities.
The partnership was inked in Boston by Mayor Martin J Walsh and his counterpart from Belfast Lord Mayor Mirtín Ó Muilleoir during a media event sponsored by the Irish American Partnership.
The aim is to develop a framework for cooperation in tourism initiatives, cultural and education programs, and faith based exchange, according to a statement issued by Belfast City Council.
It also highlighted Belfast’s tourism potential to visitors from the ‘Irish-American capital of America’ as the birthplace of the Titanic and the home of ‘Game of Thrones.’
The statement said a key element will be to promote leisure and business tourism opportunities between the two cities.
"Together, Boston and Belfast will strive to foster educational exchanges, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate development through our new Sister City relationship," Mayor Walsh said.
He also spoke of the "historic connection, genuine ties, and deeply linked heritage" between the two cities.
Also, the respective city leaders will facilitate faith-based exchanges and set up ‘study abroad’ programs in the cities’ colleges and universities.
Belfast has also had a sister city agreement with Nashville since 1994.
