Dubravka Šuica, Mayor of Dubrovnik and Chuck Della Salla, Mayor of Monterey
We are two great cities recognized around the world as being excellent places to live, visit and to do business. The Sister City relationships that we have embarked on during the St. Blase festivities will ensure that the great relationships we have made during our twinning exchange program, initiated by USAID through their Local Government Reform Project, will continue for years to come.
- Chuck Della Sala, Mayor of Monterey, California
Dubrovnik and Monterey Commit to Long-Term Relationship
With USAID support Dubrovnik and Monterey City officials had the opportunity to learn from each other and find solutions to common challenges.
Mayor Dubravka Šuica of Dubrovnik and Mayor Chuck Della Sala of Monterey, California signed a Sister City Charter on February 2, 2002. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Siniša Tatalović, advisor to H.E. Stjepan Mesić, President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, and H.E. Robert Bradtke, U.S. Ambassador to Croatia.
The signing of this Charter between Dubrovnik and Monterey is the result of two years of cooperation between the two cities in areas such as public administration and economic development. The cities established partnerships between their universities, planned joint cultural events, conferences and conventions.
"The Sister City Charter unites the two cities in an opportunity to exchange information and experience on local government activities such as education, sport, culture, health care, science, social welfare, youth, environmental protection, utilities, traffic and transport, tourism, economy and international relations. This cooperation and dedicated friendship between cities and their citizens will set an example to other cities and countries of the free world", stated Dubrovnik Mayor Dubravka Šuica.
As the new Mayor of Monterey, Chuck Della Sala stated that he looks forward to many years of collaboration with the City of Dubrovnik. "We look forward to welcoming the next delegation of Dubrovnik government, business and community leaders to Monterey. We particularly look forward to student exchanges so that our youth are able to meet each other and experience the warmth and welcome of our communities."
Through several exchanges in Croatia and in the United States, Dubrovnik and Monterey City officials had the opportunity to learn from each other and find solutions to common challenges. Dubrovnik is one of six Croatian cities paired with cities in the United States.
This is part of the USAID's $16 million Local Government Reform Program that supports local governments throughout Croatia to improve services and adjust to new challenges stemming from decentralization.
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