US City Seeking Sister Relationship With Dubrovnik

The Mayor of American city Vancouver in Washington, USA, was in the southern Dalmatian city of Dubrovnik late last week, trying to secure a deal with the Mayor of Dubrovnik which will see the two become sister cities.

Tim Leavitt hopes that business partnerships, and student and cultural exchanges, can be developed between the two coastal cities

“I wish it was mandatory for every high school student to study abroad for a year,” Leavitt said. Students learn not only about another country’s music, food and traditions, but see there are other ways of governing and providing basic services.

Vancouver doesn’t have the Adriatic Sea on its doorstep, Leavitt said, but the city does have the largest amount of property along the Columbia River. He said Dubrovnik’s use of its shoreline can inspire the city as it continues developing the waterfront.

Dubrovnik Mayor Andro Vlahusic said his city has been a favorite port of call for cruise ships, and has even seen a boost in tourism since it became a location for the filming of the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Vlahusic also expressed interest in learning more about how Vancouver uses volunteers. Vancouver relies on volunteers to do community policing, help the fire department, and help maintain parks and trails. reported The Columbian.