Oro inks sisterhood ties with Korean city

THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro inked an agreement with the local government of Gwangyang in Korea on Monday to formalize the sisterhood ties of both cities.

Gwangyang Mayor Lee Sung-Woong and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano signed the friendship agreement, which was witnessed by representatives of both cities.

After the signing, both Emano and Lee formally declared the official friendship of the two cities.

The sisterhood agreement is expected to improve mutual development and prosperity based upon close cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

Pursuant to the agreement, both parties will facilitate economic exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, port logistics and business and explore new areas of cooperation in education, culture, tourism and sports through supporting friendly exchanges.

The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gwangyang will likewise make strong effort to ensure that the mutual exchanges will bring sustainable and substantial benefits to each other through active cooperation from both governments and private sector participants

Although the mutual exchanges can be constrained by each party’s budget and legislative situations, the friendship agreement stipulates that the two cities will provide the same level of support to each other based upon the principle of mutual equality.

Emano said the sisterhood agreement with Gwangyang is a great opportunity for Cagayan de Oro to develop economic growth, provide more jobs and export products.

“This is a win-win for both cities but we can benefit more since their country is more progressive than us,” he said.

Emano recalled that at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” Gwangyang immediately sent help and donated money to build houses for the victims.

“I hope that our ties with Korea will form a lasting friendship that would lead to better relationship and progress,” he said.