Members of the South Korean consulate and Councillors of the City of Port of Spain
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: May 18, 2007
Posted: May 19, 2007
The signing of a 'Sister City' Agreement between the Mayor of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown and the Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo, took place at the Council Chambers, City Hall, Port of Spain on Friday 16th May, 2007 at 10 a.m.
Acting Corporation CEO, Mrs. Laraine Alexander, welcomed the Korean Consulate to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where they entered into the second part of the agreement for City to City relations.
The formal proceedings began with the re-introduction of parties from the Port of Spain City Council and the South Korean consulate. While Mr. Choi Seung-Woong, Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul in Korea, who acted as translator, mediated between the English and Korean-speaking persons, Alderman Francis Pau also bid greetings in the Korean tongue which added an interesting dimension to the occasion.
Mayor of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown gave the opening remarks and welcomed the South Korean delegation to the City of Port of Spain. He said that he looked forward to having very close ties with South Korea so that the two countries can build on areas such as culture, art, tourism, sport, city administration and other beneficial activities together. He also indicated his enthusiasm about the signing of the Protocol of Intent and the Declaration of Friendship which he believed was one step forward for good relations between the two cities. He ended his brief remarks by stating that he looked forward to cementing their already beautiful relationship.
Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo interpreted by Mr. Choi Seung-Woong, Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul in South Korea, responded with warm thanks for the wonderful hospitality he said he received. He said that despite the long distance between the two countries, he feels a close link with the island because of its warmth and kindness. He added that although he would be signing on behalf of the Mayor of Yeosu, the official signing would take place in Korea at a time convenient to representatives of the City of Port of Spain. He lastly stated through his interpreter, that the visit to the city of Port of Spain was very meaningful, especially because of their willingness to create city to city links and he felt certain that the two cities will bear a fruitful relationship.
Following this was the signing of the Official Protocol of Intent and the Declaration of Friendship by Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown and Deputy Mayor of Yeosu, South Korea, Mr. Choi Oh-Joo. They also presented each other with gifts of appreciation. These included a brochure of the 92nd Anniversary of the Restoration of Civic Rights to the City and a City pin by the Mayor of Port of Spain and a traditional Korean fan bearing a replica of the historical Turtle Ship which is said to be the world's first iron-clad battleship built in 1592.
Closing remarks were given by Mayor of the City of Port of Spain, Alderman Murchison Brown who reiterated his honour in hosting the South Koreans and invited them for some light refreshments and to continue fraternizing with each other.
Port of Spain and Yeosu City, South Korea
Signs Sister City Agreement in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=168723
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