Gelsenkirchen's mayor celebrates anniversary in Cottbus!

Gelsenkirchen's mayor celebrates anniversary in Cottbus!

The visit of Karin Welge was her first in Cottbus, and she was visibly impressed. In particular, the progress in structural change that the city has made, and the strong identity that developed from the common football tradition of both cities were recognized in detail. Cottbus and Gelsenkirchen have a lot in common, especially in the coal and energy industry, which is formative for both cities. This underlines how similar life and work realities are in the former industrial centers.

30 years of urban friends

The city partnership between Gelsenkirchen and Cottbus was launched in 1995, at the time of the Federal Garden Show in Cottbus. Since then, numerous cultural and economic connections have developed that will continue to be expanded in the future. This was also highlighted by [cottbus.de] (https://www.cottbus.de/allgemeind/cottbus-chosebuz-feiert- partnership jubilaen-mit-den-zielona-gora-und-gelsenkirchen/). The importance of this partnership is not only shown in the official contacts, but also in the broad citizens' participation and the exchange of initiatives between the two cities.

With around 6,500 city twinning that cultivate German municipalities worldwide, the example of Gelsenkirchen and Cottbus is by no means unique. According to [germany.de] (https://www.deutschland.de/de/topic/politik/deutschland-staedtepartner- Internationales- Network), partnerships between cities are an important means of promoting international relations and strengthening cultural exchange. Over 2,200 of these partnerships alone exist with places in France, which underlines the close connection within Europe.

The special thing about this partnership is not only in the common history, but also in the perspective that they open to the citizens of both cities. The cooperation and the exchange about urban development, cultural projects and sporting virtues help to make the neighborhood visible and alive in the heart of Europe. Our cities are tempted to learn from each other and to inspire each other in development, which is invaluable for the coming years.

No matter whether on the soccer field or in the urban development plans - the close connection between Cottbus and Gelsenkirchen shows how city partnerships can enrich life in a variety of ways. We can be excited to see where the trip of these two active partners will lead in the near future.