Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Friendship Exchange between lcheon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea and City of Santa Clara, California, United States of America
lcheon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea and City of Santa Clara, California, United States of America hereby enter this memorandum of understanding with the aim of promoting development of a relationship, boosting economic cooperation, and enhancing mutual development between the two cities by expanding exchanges in various areas based on the principles of equal and mutual benefits and friendly cooperation and sharing the goal of co- prosperity and world peace. The purpose of exchange between the two cities is to give residents of both cities the opportunity to experience the practical benefits of international exchange through cultural and economic exchanges and the expansion of opportunities for youth education.
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2018, Mayor Gill mor sent a letter expressing the City of Santa Clara's appreciation and interest in building a potential relationship with lcheon City; and, following multiple conversations and meetings with different government officials and community leaders, the Cities of Santa Clara and Icheon signed a Friendship City Memorandum of Understanding on April 24, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Friendship City Memorandum of Understanding ended in April 2022, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, representatives from the City of Santa Clara and Icheon City were not able to meet in person to renew the agreement; and
WHEREAS, both Cities have indicated interest in continuing to build a relationship with each other; and
WHEREAS, Sister Cities International defines "Friendship City" as often the first stage in the relationship before partner cities consider establishing an official "Sister City" relationship.
The two cities agree as follows:
1. The two cities shall actively promote exchanges in areas of common interest including science, technology, the arts, sports, education, environmental protection, and corporate activities.
2. The two cities shall strive to actively pursue exchanges in other areas that will contribute to the prosperity of residents and to further enhance the friendship.
3. Based on the agreement of mutual cooperation and direction specified herein, the two cities shall strive to mutually support each other, by organizing and developing experience in friendly urban relations as well as joint activities and future programs:
exchanges between educational institutions, including middle and high school exchange programs, college internships, and support for students studying abroad; organizing events, supporting artist residencies, and facilitating exchanges of cultural groups and performers.
4. Additional activities may be pursued through the efforts of other community groups, including youth exchanges participated in by schools from both cities, with assistance from non-governmental Sister Ci ty organizations, such as the Santa Clara Sister Cities Association and its counterpart in lcheon City. Collaboration and partnerships are encouraged between non-governmental and governmental Sister City organizations in both Cities.
5. Both cities shall strive to exchange representatives and/or staff for visits every alternate year, subject to budget appropriations. Each exchange and/or visit shall be reviewed in advance between representatives of lcheon City and the City of Santa Clara.
The intent of the two cities is that this Agreement shall become operative on the Effective Date.
The Effective Date is the date that the final signatory executes the Agreement. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and apply for a period of three (3) years with the option of renewal upon approval of both cities.
lcheon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Republic of Korea and City of Santa Clara, California, United States of America hereby provide their signatures or seals below to establish a relationship as Friendship Cities, with the belief that the agreement will contribute to the development of friendly relations between the two cities.
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Kim Kyung-hee
Mayor
Icheon City
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Lisa M. Gillmor
Mayor
City of Santa Clara