2008 Press Releases
Baghdad's Karada District and U.S. City in Iowa
Join in Friendship Agreement
The municipal leaders of Baghdad's Karada district and the U.S. city of
Council Bluffs, Iowa, signed a Friendship and Partnership Agreement on
October 29 that both sides hope will be the foundation for future
cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two cities.
The signing ceremony took place via video link in the presence of
delegations from both cities. They were led by Karada District Council
Chair Dr. Mohammed al-Rubeiy and Council Bluffs Mayor Thomas Hanafan.
During the virtual event, the Iraqi and American participants were able
to introduce themselves, exchange resolutions and discuss how to move
their friendship pact forward. As a first step, the two sides are
planning a privately-funded visit by Karada district leaders to Council
Bluffs and Denver, Colorado, next year.
Chairman Mohammed expressed his appreciation and enthusiasm for the
agreement, saying that Karada stood to benefit from its partnership with
Council Bluffs. Mayor Hanafan spoke of the desire of the citizens of
Council Bluffs to reach out to Iraqis. He affirmed his city's
commitment to build a substantive relationship that would benefit
residents of both municipalities.
The partnership was established under an existing sister city
relationship between Baghdad and Denver, Colorado, which is supported by
the U.S. 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division stationed in
eastern Baghdad as well as the U.S. Embassy Baghdad Provincial
Reconstruction Team. The Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team is
working with both cities to help them realize the promise of their new
partnership.
Council Bluffs, population approximately 58,000, is located on the
Missouri River in the southwestern corner of the state of Iowa.
Contact: Conrad Tribble 0770 443-4271
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