Will Promote and Broaden Economic Cooperation & Cultural Exchanges
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Édouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre and former French Prime Minister, will reaffirm the Sister City Agreement between their two cities on the 30th Anniversary of the official signing. The ceremony will take place at the University of South Florida Campus (CAMLS) on Wednesday, October 26 at 12:00 PM.
The Sister City Declaration was created and signed first in Tampa on November 17, 1992. The two cities also signed in Le Havre on June 26, 1993. A Sister City Declaration promotes and broadens economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two cities.
Before the signing ceremony, the two mayors will exchange gifts and then have an on-the-record discussion about ways our two cities can further our relationship with economic cooperation through the Port of Tampa, Tampa International Airport, and our business, education and legal communities.
“We need the Euro-Atlantic relationship to be tighter than ever,” said Le Havre Mayor Édouard Philippe. “We need to reinforce it between governments, between people and between sister cities. That’s why I wanted to reaffirm Tampa and Le Havre’s friendship. Tampa and Le Havre must further their traditional links of cooperation and cultural exchanges. I am also determined to develop new links, for example between lawyers. And I want to create strong trade relations between Tampa and Le Havre, notably in the field of port activities.”
“By reaffirming our Sister City Declaration with Le Havre, Tampa is fostering new ways to celebrate and learn about other cultures,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “The more we strengthen our economic and cultural ties throughout the world, the more prosperous a community we can be.”
On Wednesday and Thursday, Mayor Philippe will also receive a tour of Tampa, including visits to Historic Ybor City, the University of South Florida (main and downtown), the Port of Tampa, Tampa Museum of Art and Tampa International Airport. Meetings with French companies located in the Tampa area will also be a part of Mayor Philippe’s agenda.
Additionally, to honor the 30th anniversary of our Sister City, Le Havre, the City of Tampa will raise the French flag over Old City Hall and will illuminate Old City Hall, downtown bridges, and Curtis Hixon Park in red, white and blue, France’s national colors, on Tuesday, October 25 and 26 at sunset.