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-Editorial
The Calexico City Council approved travel for Mayor Pro Tem Javier Moreno to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, for the official signing of the Sisterhood Reaffirmation Agreement between both cities on July 24 where he will be welcomed by Ensenada Mayor Armando Ayala Robles.
This important event comes after the establishment of a Sister City Agreement on February 28, 2023, which aimed to solidify cooperation and strengthen the friendship ties between the two cities. Councilwoman Lisa Tylenda asked if city was going to pay for the travel. Acting City Manager Juan Contreras said it would be an out of pocket expense for those that decide to attend.
Calexico Mayor Camilo Garcia said he would support this with the condition that the is no cost for the city. Garcia would not be able to attend but asked Moreno to attend.
The agreement, which lays the groundwork for mutual activities in business, commerce, and culture, marks a renewed commitment to revitalizing the existing sister cities’ relationship. The reaffirmation of this bond signifies both cities’ dedication to promoting the exchange of experiences and the execution of joint activities that will benefit their communities.
A delegation from Ensenada visited Calexico last year to sign the sister cities agreement. Reflecting on the significance of the agreement, then-Calexico Mayor Javier Moreno stated, “The potential of the U.S. and Mexico has no limits. This will give us better tools for future generations. Society is changing at a rapid pace, and now more than ever, international cooperation is crucial. The exchange of economic development, culture, and tourism is important for both of us.”
Jose Rubén Best Velasco, Secretary General of Ensenada, speaking on behalf of Mayor Armando Ayala Robles, emphasized the importance of the agreement. “This sisterhood agreement will be presented to the Council of Sister Cities of the Municipality of Ensenada, which comprises representatives from the City Council and civil society organizations. They will decide the objectives this binational sisterhood will be working on with the city of Calexico,” Best Velasco remarked.
Ensenada now joins the ranks of Calexico’s sister cities, which have included Mexicali, Ching Shui, and Tecalitlan, Jalisco. This sister cities agreement aims to unite forces to undertake numerous projects that will enhance social, cultural, sports, tourist, and economic relations between Calexico and Ensenada. By strengthening these bonds of friendship and fostering solidarity, both cities anticipate mutual benefits and a brighter future for their residents.
The first contact between Ensenada and Calexico occurred at an end-of-the-year toast organized by Beyond Borders Gazette, where members of the Calexico City Council met with Ensenada officials. This initial meeting sparked discussions that ultimately led to the talks of establishing a sisterhood between the two cities, culminating in the Sister City Agreement.