Title
Formalizing a Sister City agreement between the City of Djibouti City and City of Saint Paul.
Body
Whereas, Saint Paul has one of the largest East African community (predominantly Djiboutian and Somali) in the United States of America, contributing to the vibrancy of Saint Paul; and
Whereas, there are hundreds of Djibouti/East African-owned and operated commercial ventures contributing to the economic health of Saint Paul; and
Whereas, Djiboutian/East African-Americans have established educational, cultural, and non-profit institutions in Saint Paul; and
Whereas, many in Saint Paul and throughout Minnesota have familial, linguistic, and entrepreneurial connections with Djibouti; and
Whereas, Djibouti, strategically located near the world's busiest shipping lanes, controlling access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, serves as a key refueling and transshipment center; and
Whereas, a burgeoning commercial hub, Djibouti is the site of various foreign military bases, including Camp Lemonier, the only permanent US military base in Africa; and
Whereas, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body also has its headquarters in Djibouti; and
Whereas, a sister city relationship with Djibouti would formalize the existing informal connections between our cities; and
Whereas, in creating this historic relationship with Djibouti, Saint Paul would be the first city in the United States of America to forge such connections with a city in the Republic of Djibouti; and
Whereas, Mayor Houssein Abdillahi Kayad and the Saint Paul City Council have provided support and encouragement for a formal Sister City relationship; and
Whereas, Djibouti Diaspora of USA is a volunteer organization, working to enhance the relationship between the residents of Saint Paul and Djibouti and promoting cultural understanding; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Saint Paul City Council, on behalf of the people of Saint Paul, hereby approves the efforts of Djibouti Diaspora of USA to formalize a Sister City Agreement between the cities of Saint Paul and Djibouti, for the purposes of promoting cultural understanding and stimulating economic development between our two cities and nations.
Be It Further Resolved that our local Djibouti sister city organization, Djibouti Diaspora of USA, in cooperation with the City of St. Paul, will pursue the necessary steps to formalize the relationship between the two cities and involve appropriate individuals, groups, and businesses in developing economic, educational and cultural exchanges.