The agreement commits both cities to work together to create strong economic links and explore cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and industry.

THE eThekwini Municipality and the Daejeon Metropolitan City in Korea recently signed an memorandum of understanding, formalising close links with each other in a new sister city relationship.

Mayor James Nxumalo hosted a high level delegation led by Daejeon Mayor, Mr Hong Chul Yum, to build strategic partnerships in the local government, private and civil society sectors.

In the agreement both parties made a commitment to work together to create strong economic links; explore cooperation in areas such as science and technology, education and industry; encourage awareness and exchanges in sports; and facilitate cultural understanding and exchanges.

Among delegates accompanying Mayor Hong Chul Yum, was Ambassador of Korean to South Africa, Yoon Lee.

Mayor James Nxumalo said “The relation between the city of Durban and Daejeon has some history and this visit today is the culmination of some years of exchange between the cities.”

He said in  2007  former Mayor, Obed Mlaba, had travelled to Korea on the occasion of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)  conference held at Jeju Island and then to Daejeon where he  met with former Mayor Park. “Here the seeds of this partnership between Durban and Daejeon were sewn,” said Nxumalo.

According to Nxumalo in 2007 on 28th September a delegation from Daejeon led by Vice Mayor Yang Hong-kyu visited Durban and signed a Statement of Intent between the two cities. The signing of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) is the culmination of talks held over the years between the two cities.

“Durban will be hosting COP 17 this year so we have a huge event - even bigger than the FIFA World Cup to deliver to the world and we look forward to welcoming our Korean partners” said Nxumalo.
Daejeon Mayor Hong Chul Yum said “We are honored for the warm welcome we have received from Durban.”

He said South Africa was well known for its human rights restoration and that “The whole world has learned from South Africa and its   accomplishment”.
Hong Chul Yum said Durban is significant in the history of Korea.

“South Korea reached Quarter-finals in Durban during last year’s Fifa Soccer World Cup and Peong Chang was awarded as the host of 2018 Winter Olympics here in Durban during the 123rd session of the   International Olympic Committee,” he explained. “This was one of the many good reasons why the MOU signing is important.”

The delegation also visited uShaka Marine World and other City attractions and held talks with various Municipal Departments beginning their discussions to honour the agreement just signed.

The eThekwini Municipality has vibrant Sister City relationships with 14 cities around the world that bring huge benefit to the people of Durban in various fields. Many of them will be visiting our City   during this week for as part of the Celebrate Durban festivities. The Municipality will also be formally renewing its Sister City agreement with Bulawayo on Friday, 23 September 2011.

Source: www.durban.gov.za