The eThekwini Municipality intends to strengthen existing partnerships with cities in Russia, China, and Argentina to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
New Cooperation with Russia
At a council meeting on Tuesday, the Mayor of the eThekwini Municipality, Cyril Shaba, received approval to initiate the development of a letter of intent between the municipality and the cities of Sochi and Saint Petersburg in the Russian Federation. The goal is to study structured interaction in strategic areas aligned with the municipality's long-term development agenda and international positioning objectives.
The Municipality noted that the proposed interaction is based on the specific strengths of these two cities. It was emphasized that Sochi is known for its experience in hosting global mega-events and tourism development, while Saint Petersburg possesses significant advantages in the maritime industry, port development, and related economic activities.
Agreement Approval Procedure
The report indicated that any future Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or other official cooperation agreement arising from the letter of intent must undergo legal review and receive council approval before implementation begins.
Furthermore, the municipality stated its intention to engage with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and other relevant national bodies to ensure compliance with South Africa's foreign policy and applicable international protocols. The Municipality also reported that consultations will be held with relevant departments to determine practical directions for cooperation and ensure internal alignment with strategic priorities.
Partnership with China and Argentina
Regarding the 'sister city' partnership between eThekwini (Durban) and the People's Government of Qingdao, Shaba received council approval to sign a cooperation agreement. The Municipality highlighted that Durban has a long history of international cooperation through twin-city and partner city agreements, which foster mutual growth, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding.
The Directorate of Intergovernmental and International Relations will handle the formalization and updating of the existing partnership with Qingdao. The updated document will define the framework for joint work in the fields of trade, technology, education, green development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The Municipality also plans to enter into an MOU with Bahía Blanca in Argentina to establish a partner city relationship. Among the stated goals are strengthening Durban's position in the Global South, facilitating access to industrial and technological expertise, supporting investment-based economic development, and improving the Durban Port development program. This MOU is expected to open avenues for innovative partnerships, youth development, and diversification of the city's international cooperation portfolio.
Similarly, the municipality will conclude an MOU to establish a partner city relationship with Xi'an in the People's Republic of China. The Municipality stated that this will allow Durban City and Xi'an City to be presented as twin tourist destinations on the Africa-China travel routes.
Project Implementation Coordination
The Municipality granted the Executive Director of International and Intergovernmental Relations the authority to coordinate the implementation of the partnership and to submit annual progress reports to the Committee on Governance and Human Capital, as well as upon request.