Red carpet for twin visitors
Sunderland has celebrated its 65th anniversary with its twin Saint-Nazaire by laying on the red carpet treatment for visitors from France.
A delegation, led by the Mayor of Saint-Nazaire, David Samzun, enjoyed a tour of the Port of Sunderland and took part in a ceremonial planting of an indoor ornamental fern in the Winter Gardens at the Sunderland Museum.
The port visit allowed dignitaries from both cities to discuss potential business opportunities, especially in renewable energy, and also in digital sectors.
The leader of Sunderland City Council and chairman of the port board, Coun Graeme Miller, said: “There are many similarities between Sunderland and Saint-Nazaire – cities by the sea, with economies built on shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and increasingly diversifying to develop strong digital expertise.
“Generating economic and educational benefits is key to our engagement with international partners, and as we each continue to develop opportunities for our cities and communities, we have a strong track record on which to build in our partnership with Saint-Nazaire.”
The ceremonial planting followed an anniversary celebration earlier this year when the Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Lynda Scanlan, planted an English oak on French soil.
The mayors were also joined by pupils representing three of the Sunderland schools involved with their French counterparts in the EU-funded Erasmus project, St Paul’s Primary, South Hylton Primary Academy and Kepier academy.
Coun Scanlan said: “I was both honoured and proud to join the Mayor of SaintNazaire in this ceremonial planting during his visit, symbolising the roots and continued growth of the friendship between our two communities.”
Delegate David Samzun, said: “It is my first time in Sunderland, but I am certain that it will not be my last.”