Corfu and Troisdorf: A New Chapter in a 30-Year Sister City Relationship
Corfu, May 20 – The Ionian Islands Regional Governor, George Trepekli, welcomed a delegation from the Troisdorf Sister Cities Association on Monday, May 19, at the Regional Administration headquarters in Corfu. This meeting, imbued with significant symbolism and substantive content, reaffirmed the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation that have linked Corfu with the German city for three decades, as the two municipalities have been twinned since 1996.
The German delegation comprised the Association’s President, Hans Peter Albrings, Vice-President Dr. Ulrich Burger, and members Friedhelm Hermann, Barbara Hermann, and Brigitte Wagner, accompanied by Ms. Ioulietta Siganou.
During the discussion, conducted in a particularly warm atmosphere, Governor Trepekli spoke of his personal connection to Troisdorf, a city he has visited repeatedly in the past. He emphasized the hospitality and the enduring affection of the German city’s residents for Corfu and the Ionian Islands.
Mr. Trepekli expressed his emotion, recalling images and symbols that underscore the close relationship between the two sides, such as the flag of Corfu flying prominently in the city center and the existence of ‘Corfu Street’ in Troisdorf. He also noted that during his tenure as Mayor of Corfu, the Troisdorf flag adorned the City Hall, highlighting that, particularly under his leadership, this twinning never remained merely formal, but was accompanied by substantial acts of solidarity and contribution.
Special mention was made of the significant and continuous support provided by the German city to Corfu through donations, including an ambulance, a fire truck, and hospital equipment. These actions substantially reinforced the sense of mutual trust and cooperation.
A central point of the meeting was the shared desire to further activate and enhance the twinning relationship, with an emphasis on creating new channels of communication and synergies between the two regions.
The Ionian Islands Regional Governor personally pledged his active support for any initiative that strengthens ties with Troisdorf. He expressed his willingness to respond to a future invitation to visit the German city, remarking that “this cooperation can acquire even more substantive and productive content in the coming years.”
In this context, both sides agreed on the need to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of tourism, education, sports, and gastronomy.
Particular emphasis was placed on:
- Leveraging the strong air connection between the Cologne/Bonn region and the Ionian Islands.
- Promoting school exchanges and collaborations between sports clubs.
- Highlighting local gastronomy and Ionian products through events featuring Corfiot chefs in Troisdorf and the participation of the Ionian Islands Region with its own stand at the Tourism Fair (Tourismusbörse) in Siegburg.
Mr. Trepekli stressed that the Ionian Islands Region has a duty to support and strengthen active relationships built with consistency and mutual respect over many years, transforming them into meaningful channels of cultural, social, and economic cooperation for the benefit of citizens and local communities.
Source: https://www.kerkyrasimera.gr/desmeysi-g-trepekli-gia-nea-dynamiki-stin-30chroni-schesi-tis-kerkyras-me-tin-adelfopoiimeni-germaniki-poli-troisdorf/
