Anghiari, Italy and Beit Sahour Municipality sign "Institution of International Relations"

June 13, 2009

Representatives, including Mayor Danillo Biachi of the Municpality of Anghiari, Italy reciprocated a visit to Beit Sahour June 10-14, 2009. This relationship was inititated and fostered by Father Faisal of Our Lady of Fatima Church (Beit Sahour) and Father Mario Cornioli. In May of 2009, Mr. Mazin Shomali, Council Member, and Mr. Anton Musleh, Administrative Officer, accompanied by Father Faisal and Father Mario, visited Anghiari as well as other Italian cities.

This visit culminated in the signing of the Institution of International Relations between the two municipalities by Mayor Hani Al-Hayek and Mayor Danillo Biachi on June 13, 2009.

The cooperation agreement entails major four concepts:

• Support initiatives of peace in Palestine;
• Improve understanding and solidarity between the communities of Anghiari and Beit Sahour by planning and implementing joint projects;
• Support information sharing of cultural, educational, economic and craftsmanship sectors of the communities;
• Engage, inspire and educate the youth of both communities to become leaders and agents of change.

Mayor Biachi also promised Mayor Al-Hayek to coordinate a conference between Anghiari, Andria, Castesardo, Mira, Quattro-Castella, Rimini, and Rufina in August. The conference's goal is to establish a cooperation plan between the cities to enhance relations, understanding, solidarity and exchange with particular focus on the youth of the communities.

After the signing which took place in Dar Dakarat Youth Center, Mayor Biachi and the rest of the delegation dined at Ush Ghurab Public Peace Park. They also enjoyed a round of Bingo hosted by the Arab Orthodox Club.

The Italian Delegation attended the First Eucharist and Confirmation Ceremony at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Sunday, June 14, 2009 before departing to return to Italy.

Back