Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
Regarding the Exchange and Cooperation
between
Alameda, California, the United States of America
and Varazze, Italy
On September 10, 2019, the City of Varazze, Italy and the City of Alameda, California, the United States of America (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding the Formation and Implementation of Sister City Relations.
In order to implement the MOU, the Parties hereby agree to the following terms in accordance with the laws of both countries, the treaties between the two countries, and the principles of international law, with the aim of promoting mutual friendship visits, carrying out deep and wide friendship activities, and strengthening smooth cooperative relations.
Article 1 Purpose
The purpose of this MOA is to strengthen the mutual cooperation in carrying out the exchanges and cooperation between the Parties and in the implementation of the Friendship Exchange and Cooperation Program between the two jurisdictions.
Article 2 Cooperation Areas
The Parties shall encourage the governments, non-governmental organizations, enterprises, and residents or citizens of each country or city to carry out friendship exchanges and shall cooperate on endeavors that may include the following:
1. Sharing of skills and experiences for promoting cooperation in administration, tourism, festivals, and cultural arts projects.
2. Promotion of regional development and activation of local economy by utilizing regional characteristics and resources.
3. Sharing policy and technology information on the local agricultural products and wine industry in both regions.
4. Developing and implementing youth exchange programs for human resource development.
5. Cooperating on continuous improvement for the achievements of the Agreement.
6. Cooperating in other areas agreed by the Parties.
Article 3 Implementation
The Parties shall mutually agree to implement the contents of the following subparagraphs in order to strengthen their cooperation:
EXHIBIT 1
1. Exchange important information and best practices in the areas of mutual interest.
2. Interact for mutual cooperation (holding workshops, seminars, etc.).
3. Exchange of and participation in cultural, tourism, festival, and other arts programs.
4. Consult and cooperate mutually on sales and development of agricultural products, such as wine.
5. Cooperate on joint activities, such as visits to educational institutions and research centers when exchanging college, junior high, and elementary school students.
6. Implement other terms agreed upon by the two cities.
Article 4 Organization of the Working Group
1. The Parties shall form a working group for the implementation and continuity of the provisions of this Agreement. The Parties shall keep regular contact and exchange information on matters of mutual interest.
Organization of the Working Group
2. The Chairperson and/or Board Member of the Alameda Sister City Association (ASCA) Varazze Sister City Committee is designated as the representative of Alameda, California, USA.
3. The head of the Varazze Popular Committee is designated as the representative of the City of Varazze, Italy.
The Working Group shall hold regular meetings, by live video, telephone, and when necessary, in person, at agreed upon time and place, as applicable, by the Parties to assess activities derived from the application of this Agreement and perform the following functions:
1. Make decisions necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Agreement.
2. Formulate and materialize specific projects.
3. Establish and implement recommendations in accordance with this Agreement.
4. Perform other functions agreed upon by the Parties.
Article 5 Cost
The expenses required for the implementation of the present MOA shall be reciprocal and shall be borne by each of the Party. This MOA shall not be construed or interpreted as a financial promise or obligation.
Article 6 General
The Parties shall mutually consult each other on the output arising from the implementation of the cooperation projects and for other purposes outside of cooperation projects.
Article 7 Effect
1. This MOA shall be effective on the date of signatures and shall remain in effect for five (5) years.
2. If either party wishes to revise or terminate the MOA, a six-month notice shall be given in writing.
Two copies of the authentic text of this MOA have been signed in both Italian and English in the City of Varazze on ___________, 2024, and each copy has the same effect.
______________________________
Mayor of
Varazze
Pierfederici Luigi
______________________________
Mayor of
City of Alameda
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft