The Palestinian City of Bethlehem has responded positively to a twinning request from Derry City and Strabane District Council.
Councillor Patricia Logue, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said she was honored to receive correspondence from Bethlehem Mayor Adv. Anton Salman approved the twinning request.
The council voted to start the twinning process in January to show support for the people of Palestine during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and "develop links for education, culture and economy" between Derry and Bethlehem.
Logue said in a statement that she was delighted that the request has been accepted, adding that she looked forward to working together with authorities in Bethlehem to develop connections between the two cities.
"I am really pleased that the Mayor of Bethlehem is open to working with us here in Derry and Strabane to establish a formal twinning arrangement between the two regions," Logue said in a statement.
"It’s a very difficult time for the people of Bethlehem. However, they have taken a very proactive approach to show support for Palestine, their Church leaders and officials at Bethlehem Council canceled all festivals and religious celebrations as a mark of solidarity with the people of Gaza.
"This was a huge decision and will have impacted every aspect of the religious practices, economy, livelihoods, and tourism, but the Council knew it needed to happen.
"I think it's important that we here in Derry and Strabane build a strong relationship with them and do what we can to learn from one another.
"The people of Derry/Strabane and Bethlehem have a lot in common, both have shown great resilience and strength and I strongly believe that by twinning with each other we reap the benefits of a very positive and engaging relationship that will impact our communities and businesses."
Responding to the twinning request, Mayor of Bethlehem Adv. Anton Salman thanked the people of Ireland for their solidarity throughout the conflict in Gaza, adding that the decision to approve the request reflects the strong bond between Irish and Palestinian people.
"On behalf of Bethlehem city council and the citizens of the town of the Nativity, I thank you and the Irish people for your steadfast position and support to our Palestinian just cause," Salman said in a letter to Derry and Strabane District Council.
"This decision reflects the historical unshakable reaction between the Palestinian and the Irish people, and our shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding as well as strengthening the bonds of cooperation and friendship between our two cities."
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