Twinning Agreement: Laâyoune Meets Arlington – A Match Made in Admin Heaven!
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 8:28 PM. Laâyoune – Well, folks, it seems that Laâyoune just took a bold step onto the international stage, and no, it doesn’t involve a pop concert or a platform shoe contest. Instead, this Moroccan municipality has signed a twinning agreement with Arlington, Texas! I mean, who knew that the desert and tumbleweeds could share so much in common? Clearly, both cities are on a mission to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and all they needed was a signature and a few friendly exchanges.
Let’s not forget the star power in attendance! The illustrious Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid (I know, with a name like that, he sounds like he should be leading a sitcom rather than a municipal council) and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross were the proud signatories of this historic accord. It’s like a buddy cop movie waiting to happen: “Two cities, one goal: economic, educational, and cultural exchanges.” Picture that on a poster!
The Real Deal – Infrastructure Impressions!
Naturally, Mayor Ross was “very impressed” by the quality of Laâyoune’s infrastructure. Now, I’m no expert, but considering that in Texas, they have “everything is bigger” philosophy, that little comment could be quite a backhanded compliment! I mean, he could’ve just said the roads didn’t have more potholes than a Swiss cheese for it to hold some weight!
A Twinning Agreement with Building Blocks
But wait, there’s more! As part of their public display of affection—excuse me, partnership—Mr. Ould Errachid mentioned this splendid agreement follows the US’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over its Sahara. A diplomatic mic drop moment if I’ve ever seen one! It’s like saying, “We’re not just friends; we’re best mates!” Who knew international politics could be so heartwarming?
What’s on the Table?
So, what do these two municipalities get for their newfound relationship? Well, a laundry list of cooperation on economic, cultural, and educational ventures! I can already visualize Laâyoune’s cultural nights featuring Texas BBQ alongside Moroccan tagines. “Can I interest you in a brisket with a side of couscous?”
The Swagger of American Delegation
During their stay, the American delegation explored Laâyoune’s development programs. Because nothing says “I like you” better than a few field visits, right? “Oh, look! There’s a new school! Let’s add that to our postcard collection.” Meanwhile, they even screened a film about Arlington’s assets. Note to self: Next time, come equipped with popcorn!
What’s Next?
To top it all off, a similar agreement was signed just the day before in Dakhla with Columbus, Ohio. It seems that America is just smitten with Moroccan hospitality—or is it the other way around? Perhaps soon we can expect a Moroccan food truck invasion in Arlington! “Get your tagine tacos here!”
In the End…
Ultimately, this twinning agreement is not just about exchanging pleasantries; it’s about building constructive relationships based on mutual respect. And let’s face it, it’s quite a giggle seeing two places so seemingly different trying to bridge a cultural gap with diplomacy, a side of art, a splash of education, and the ever-important fried food.
So here’s to Laâyoune and Arlington! May your twinning partnership thrive, and may your local dishes be forever intertwined in culinary harmony! And who knows, perhaps there will come a day when we’ll see an Arlington cowboy decked out in traditional Moroccan attire. Now that’s a sight I’d like to see!
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 8:28 p.m.
Laâyoune – A twinning agreement between the municipality of Laâyoune and the city of Arlington in the state of Texas (United States), was signed Thursday in Laâyoune, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation in several areas of common interest.
As part of the decentralized cooperation between Morocco and the United States, this agreement was initialed by the president of the Municipal Council, Moulay Hamdi Ould Errachid and the mayor of the city of Arlington, Jim Ross, at the headquarters of the municipality of Laâyoune, in the presence of the wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region, governor of the province of Laâyoune, Abdeslam Bekrate, the president of the Regional Council, Sidi Hamdi Ould Errachid, and the mayor of the city of Columbus ( Ohio), Andrew Ginther, who is also president of the United States Conference of Mayors, as well as elected officials.
“This agreement aims to consolidate cooperative relations for the well-being of the two communities, through economic, educational and cultural exchanges,” underlined Mr. Ross, following the signing ceremony of this agreement. twinning agreement.
In this wake, he said he was “very impressed” by the quality of infrastructure in Laâyoune, noting that the two cities share common interests within a framework of mutual understanding.
The mayor of the city of Arlington also expressed the wish to further consolidate bilateral relations, saying he was optimistic about the development of this cooperation in the future.
For his part, Mr. Ould Errachid indicated that this twinning agreement comes after the decision of the United States to recognize the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara and its territorial integrity, recalling that this is the second agreement, after that signed in May of last year with the city of Hollywood in the state of Florida.
He also expressed his desire to establish mutually beneficial relations in the cultural, economic and political fields.
Under this agreement, the two parties agreed to strengthen cooperation and partnership relations, particularly in the economic, cultural, artistic, educational, tourism and environmental sectors.
This act of twinning also testifies to the mutual desire to maintain a constructive friendship relationship, based on mutual respect, equality and common interests, in accordance with the laws and legislation in force.
On this occasion, an institutional film highlighting the potential and assets of the city of Arlington in the state of Texas was screened.
Likewise, the members of the delegation followed a presentation on the development program of the municipality of Laâyoune covering the various projects included within the framework of the new development model of the southern provinces launched by HM King Mohammed VI in 2015.
During their stay in Laâyoune, the American elected officials made field visits to several projects, where they saw first-hand the efforts made to ensure comprehensive and integrated development of the region.
Earlier in the day, the American delegation held a meeting with the wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region, governor of the province of Laâyoune, Abdeslam Bekrate, during which emphasis was placed on the developments of the national cause and the boom in development that the region is experiencing in different areas.
It should be remembered that a similar twinning agreement was signed on Wednesday in Dakhla, between the town of this city and Columbus (Ohio) in the United States.
