City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: CHERAN C. IVERY, CITY ATTORNEY
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TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Establish a Friendship City Relationship with Osijek, Croatia.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution Directing the City Manager on behalf of the Mayor and City Council to Enter into Friendship City Agreement with Osijek, Croatia and to convene a Task Force to Facilitate the Friendship City Relationship.
RECOMMENDATION: City Council adopt the attached resolution (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND: As the FIFA World Cup demonstrated, sports have the power to unite communities. Sister Cities International identifies sports exchanges as one way to strengthen relationships between communities while also promoting cultural understanding and tourism.
A Friendship City designation is a non-binding version of a Sister City agreement. It gives the relationship a name and a shared framework without establishing a full committee. It also presents an opportunity to test new ideas and learn together to determine whether establishing a long-term commitment is desired.
DISCUSSION: In June, following the end of the Croatian National Football Team's stay in Alexandria, leaders from the Croatian Embassy expressed interest in establishing an ongoing connection and partnership with Alexandria. As a follow-up, they introduced the City of Osijek - the fourth largest city in Croatia - to Alexandria. Senior leaders from both the City of Osijek and the City of Alexandria met over the summer to discuss mutual interests and shared commonalities.
Out of these conversations grew the idea of a Friendship City relationship. This will allow the City of Osijek and the City of Alexandria to build on the momentum and relationships generated through the World Cup. Initially, the relationship will primarily focus on sports, however, if it generates broader interest and momentum, the City of Alexandria can decide whether to expand it into arts, education, business, or other areas, or further formalize the relationship by executing a Sister-City agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Friendship City Resolution - Osijek.
STAFF:
None.