After hosting its World Cup soccer team this summer, Alexandria is on the way to forming a formal bond with a Croatian city.
Without discussion, City Council on Tuesday (Oct. 13) approved the resolution to form a friendship city agreement with Osijek, Croatia. The agreement is for a one-year trial, and a task force will be formed to report on progress to City Council throughout the year.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins had proposed the friendship city last month after the Croatian Embassy approached the city about ways to continue a partnership after the World Cup. Alexandria had hosted the Croatian National Football Team in June as its World Cup home base, with practices occurring at Episcopal High School.
Croatia identified Osijek, its fourth largest city, as a potential partner for Alexandria, and leaders from both cities met to discuss the friendship city proposal. A friendship city is different from the sister city connections Alexandria has established with Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; Gyumri, Armenia; and Caen, France.
“A Friendship City designation is a non-binding version of a Sister City agreement,” City Council’s docket says. “It gives the relationship a name and a shared framework without establishing a full committee. It also presents an opportunity to test new ideas and learn together to determine whether establishing a long-term commitment is desired.”
The relationship would focus on sports at first, but the city could pursue other areas like the arts, education and business if there is interest. The city could later choose to seek a sister city agreement.
According to the City Council’s docket, there is no initial fiscal impact expected from forming the friendship city agreement.
The Croatian Embassy is also hosting a Croatia-USA in Sports event Monday, Oct. 19 at The Satire (625 First Street). Gaskins will participate in the segment titled “Alexandria & Osijek.” RSVPs are required by noon Thursday (Oct. 15) to attend.
