The City of Savannah is on the road to strengthened international ties.
The city signed two International Friendship Agreements in October after overseas trips by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. The new agreements, aimed at fostering cultural and economic exchange, were with Curaçao and Dunkerque, France.
One agreement was signed on Johnson’s trip to Geneva, Switzerland, where he participated in a United Nations Forum of Mayors’ meeting and spoke at the World Economic Forum Urban Transformation Summit. Johnson met with Dunkerque Mayor Patrice Vergriete while in Geneva, where the friendship agreement was signed.
The relationship between the two cities was developed over two years and full delegation visits between Savannah and Dunkerque are expected
next year, according to a City of Savannah press release.
“The signing is not the accomplishment,” Johnson continued. “What we do with the relationship is what matters. We want to turn relationships into real opportunities for Savannah.”
The agreement with Curaçao was signed during a trip to the Caribbean country. That agreement also outlines a specific framework for exchange between the two countries.
Savannah’s relationship with Curaçao originated with the King and Queen of the Netherlands visiting Savannah in 2024. Representatives from Curaçao then visited Savannah earlier this year, according to the press release.
Key areas for cooperation include education and research, citing Savannah State University and Savannah Technical College, culture in tourism, workforce development and hospitality and maritime trade opportunities.
Johnson’s appearances at the UN Forum of Mayors and the WEFUTS focused on ongoing work by the city.
The Savannah mayor was one of two U.S. mayors at the UN Forum, and Johnson’s participation was in sessions focused on cities and sustainability, the press release. The city’s plan to reduce net carbon emissions to zero was instituted under Johnson’s first administration.
Johnson’s presentations at the WEFUTS highlighted the city’s Recreation Reimagined initiative.
“Savannah continues to earn a seat at important tables around the world,” Johnson said in the press release. “But being at the table is not enough. The goal is to bring home ideas, relationships and opportunities that benefit the people we serve.”
Evan Lasseter is the City of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah strengthens international ties after mayor's overseas trips
