Brotherhood between Mérida and Sarasota, Florida reaffirmed

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Collaboration on matters of trade, culture, tourism, government development, education, environment, and gastronomy

With the objective to continuing the exchange of experiences and projects that contribute to the development of the cities of Merida and Sarasota, this morning Mayor Renán Barrera Concha ratified the twinning agreement between Merida and that city in the state of Florida, United States.

During the event, held virtually, and before the mayor of Sarasota, Florida, Hagen Brody, the Councilor stressed that this ratification of brotherhood lays the foundation to work closely on issues of commerce, culture, tourism, government development, education, environment, and gastronomy.

“With this revalidation, we seek a supportive and beneficial exchange between both cities that results in greater tourism promotion, information, exhibitions of handicrafts and products, exchange of commercial information, professionals, as well as support for foreign trade. In a few words, a mutual collaboration between our cities” said the Counselor.

Mayor Hagen Brody, thanked MayorBarrera Concha for the interest in maintaining this agreement that symbolizes a commitment between these cities and their population, at the same time that he recognized Mérida as a safe, cultural city in constant economic development.

“We have a great interest in continuing exchanges and visits between our governments, private companies, academic institutions, tourism promotion departments, and cultural organizations as we have done since 2010.”

“Although today we know that the pandemic does not allow us to carry out these ceremonies in person, we are sure that in the future we will strengthen our twinning ties by shaking our hands”, he added.

In this sense, Barrera Concha stressed that having a sister city is a great responsibility because it fosters the spirit of collaboration, work, empathy, and professionalism, with great benefits for twinned cities.

Merida mayor mentioned that for its social peace, its culture, and above all for being a city with a good quality of life, Mérida has been recognized by the Urban Competitiveness Index 2020 of the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), which positioned the Yucatecan capital as national level among the three best large cities to invest.

In addition, Barrera Conche continued, the City Council received recognitions for the actions of Healthy Mobility in the Historic Center and for the Participatory Design of Public Spaces project, granted by the National Association of Mayors (ANAC) last month.

The Municipal President took the opportunity to invite the mayor of Sarasota to participate in the Tunich Craft Fair 2020, to be held virtually from the 13th to the 20th of this month.

In his turn, the United States Consul General in Mérida, Courtney Beale, made known her interest that the twinning between Mérida and Sarasota continues to grow and strengthen to provide better and better results.

She commented that in recent days the construction of the new consulate of the United States of North America in Mérida began, which shows the relevance of Mérida in the international role, especially for the neighboring country of the North.

Source: Merida Municipality Press Release

The Yucatan Post