By : News Editor
Jordan Daily – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Mayor of the Greater Amman Municipality Yousef Al-Shawarbeh , signed a Friendship City Agreement on Tuesday, marking the first step toward a Sister City partnership and initiating the process of developing cultural and educational exchanges.
The signing ceremony took place at the historic Spanish Governor’s Palace. “There is broad recognition in international business and diplomatic circles that economic partnerships don’t just happen,” said Mayor Nirenberg. “They require lots of work and relationship building that happen at the civic level and citizen-to-citizen level — from educational and cultural exchanges to trade.”
San Antonio’s Arab American Community Advisory Committee provided support and counsel during the crafting of the agreement. Nirenberg highlighted the influence of Arabic culture on San Antonio, noting elements such as the high walls, outdoor courtyard, fountain, and the architecture of the Spanish Missions, as well as the city’s 25 kilometers of precious acacias, a word derived from the Arabic “acacia.”
Mayor Nirenberg and Mayor Al-Shawarbeh previously met at the Mayor’s Migration Council, a coalition of mayors dedicated to discussing migration and refugee policies, according to the San Antonio Report.
Mayor Al-Shawarbeh emphasized that the agreement would enhance common interests, strengthen economic and cultural relations, and promote shared experiences between the two cities.He expressed Amman’s eagerness to develop mutual cooperation in exchanging information and best practices in areas such as sports, public transportation, and water conservation measures.
“We will work together to encourage the active participation of the citizens of both cities in the implementation of this agreement, through civil organizations and institutions active in Amman and San Antonio, in order to ensure that it bears fruit,” said Mayor Al-Shawarbeh.
The mayor of Amman was accompanied by a delegation , including the deputy city manager, executive director for transportation, a project manager, and the manager of international relations and technical support.
This agreement is a significant step toward fostering closer ties between San Antonio and Amman, benefiting both communities through increased cooperation and cultural exchange, the Report noted.
