Although their cities reside on opposite sides of the globe, Mayor Ravenstahl and Mayor Aikawa celebrated a relationship today that has endured the test of distance—and time—for ten years.

Mayor Aikawa, of Japan’s 10th most populous city, Saitama, traveled to Pittsburgh with nine City Council members and a citizens’ delegation to witness the ceremonial Sister-City Agreement signing, discuss economic development opportunities, and celebrate the city’s culture and one-of-a-kind vistas.

“I welcome Mayor Aikawa and his delegation to America’s most livable city,” Mayor Ravenstahl said. “In an increasingly globalized society, it is imperative that we focus on forging lasting relationships with cities around the world to exchange economic development, tourism and cultural opportunities.”

The visit will be highlighted with a tour of the Preservation Technologies, L.P. plant in Cranberry, which will be opening a new facility in Saitama next year. Point Park University will host a welcome reception complete with a traditional tea ceremony, followed by a tour of the City.

“I reminisce on the ten wonderful years of friendship and cultural exchange that we have shared with one another,” Mayor Aikawa said. “I sincerely hope that this year’s visit will help in forging even deeper bonds of friendship between our cities.”

In conjunction with local school districts, the University of Pittsburgh, Point Park University, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and citizen volunteers, various delegations have been involved in exchanges between Pittsburgh and Saitama City for more than twenty years.

The Pittsburgh-Saitama City Sister City Committee is affiliated with GPSCA (Greater Pittsburgh Sister City Association). Pittsburgh has fifteen Sister City relationships offering various programs of cultural exchange.