Robinson and McGuinness Host Reception for Sister Cities Conference

First Minister Peter D Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA held a welcome reception at Parliament Buildings last night to officially launch the Sister Cities International Conference. This is the first time in its history that the conference has been held outside the USA and some 750 delegates are expected to attend from throughout the world.

Welcoming delegates who are attending the conference Mr Robinson said: "It is a tremendous boost for Northern Ireland and our international recognition that Sister Cities is holding its International Conference outside the USA for the first time in its 53 year history in Belfast. It is a significant opportunity to showcase and promote Northern Ireland to people from the worlds of politics; finance; education; medicine; manufacturing and media and to bring direct economic and tourism opportunities to the local economy"

Mr McGuinness said: "We welcome the delegates and their families who have travelled from over 21 countries. The founding vision of Dwight Eisenhower is as relevant today as when he called the Sister City projects together. The theme of the Sister Cities International Conference Building Enduring Peace after Conflict has a clear resonance for us and I believe we can provide a meaningful and constructive insight from our experience to the international delegates."

Notes to Editors:

1. Sister Cities International is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network that creates and strengthens partnerships between U.S. and international communities. It strives to build global cooperation at the municipal level, promote cultural understanding and stimulate economic development.
2. Sister Cities International is a powerful international network working toward world peace and plays an important role in advancing the global dialogue between the United States and other cultures.
3. Sister Cities International promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation by focusing on sustainable and economic development, youth and education, arts and culture, and humanitarian assistance exchanges and programs.
4. This is the first time in its history that the conference will take place outside the USA?Media enquires to OFMDFM Press Office, tel: 028 9052 1840. Out of office hours please contact the Deputy Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned