International Partnerships

Sunderland has two European twin towns, Essen in Germany and Saint-Nazaire in France, which it has had since 1949 and 1953 respectively, and a Friendship Agreement with Washington DC which was signed in June 2006.  The twin town links were developed as part of an initiative to promote peace and stability in the post war period.  The Friendship Agreement formalises the city's unique historical link with Washington DC as George Washington's ancestral home is located within Sunderland's boundary.  The City Council also has a number of International links developed through joint projects and is currently developing co-operation with China.  The local authority also became a member of the EUROCITIES network in November 2007.

The International Team supports service areas across the various Council Directorates to introduce an international dimension into their activity or strengthen their existing engagement.

International Strategy for Sunderland

Together with partners across Sunderland, the City Council has developed an International Strategy  ( 330kb), which was endorsed in October 2008.  The strategy will run from 2008-2025 in line with the current Sunderland Strategy.

Worldwide - Sunderland's International Bulletin

You can also view the latest issue of Worldwide - Sunderland's International bulletin ( 445kb)

Contact Details

Sunderland City Council, International Team
Office of the Chief Executive
PO Box 100, Civic Centre
Sunderland, SR2 7DN
United Kingdom

Telephone  +44 (0) 191 561 1191
Fax            +44 (0) 191 553 1193

Email          international.team@sunderland.gov.uk

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last updated 19/11/08