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Symbolic initiatives have been implemented in Jelgava’s sister cities of Carmel (USA) and Rueil-Malmaison (France), highlighting the importance of international friendship and strengthening the connection with our city through the urban environment.

In September, a new sign dedicated to Carmel’s sister cities around the world, including Jelgava, was officially unveiled in Carmel. The sign has been installed near the Monon Trail, one of the city’s most popular destinations for walking and cycling.

At the unveiling ceremony, representatives of Carmel emphasized that sister-city programmes build bridges across national borders, fostering cultural exchange, shared learning, and lasting friendships between city communities.

Jelgava extends its heartfelt thanks to the City of Carmel and Mayor Sue Finkam for this beautiful expression of friendship between our cities. We also thank representatives of Carmel’s sister-city organisations, International Center representatives Andris Bērziņš and Martin Baier, as well as the Carmel Farmers Market team for their involvement in making this special event possible.

The sister-city agreement between Jelgava and Carmel was signed in 2022.

A lasting expression of international friendship was also created last week by Jelgava’s long-standing sister city, Rueil-Malmaison. The city council has named a public space in the Buzenval neighbourhood “Place des Jumelages”, or “Sister Cities Square”.

The square is dedicated to the cities with which Rueil-Malmaison has established close ties of cooperation, trust, and friendship. It serves as a symbolic place celebrating dialogue between peoples, international openness, and friendship among people.

This initiative is particularly significant as 2027 approaches, when Jelgava and Rueil-Malmaison will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their partnership. Cooperation between the two cities has developed particularly strongly in the field of education, with teachers and students taking part in exchange visits and sharing experiences. In 2024, metalworking craftsmen from Rueil-Malmaison also created and presented Jelgava with the large gates for the fence surrounding the tower of the Holy Trinity Church in Jelgava, incorporating the coats of arms of both cities.

Jelgava also extends its thanks to Rueil-Malmaison and its Mayor Patrick Ollier for this warm gesture and for the respect shown to our city.

This article has been translated from Latvian to English using the help of ChatGPT AI.