Types of affiliations

Around the world various terms are sometimes used to describe a long-term partnership between two communities: sister cities (United States, Mexico, etc.), twin cities (Russia, United Kingdom), partner cities (Germany-partnerstadt), friendship cities (Japan and China), or twinning (France-jumelage) are common terms.

Sister city, county, municipality, oblast, prefecture, province, region, state, territory, town, and village relationships

A sister city relationship is a broad-based, officially approved, long-term partnership between two communities in different nations.

A sister city, county, municipality, oblast, prefecture, province, region, state, territory, town, or village relationship becomes official with a signing ceremony of the top-elected officials of the two jurisdictions, following approval by the local city councils (county commissions or state legislatures), as appropriate.

Sister city partnerships have the potential to carry out the widest possible diversity of activities of any international program, including every type of municipal, business, professional, educational and cultural exchange or project.

Sister city programs are also unique in that they inherently involve the three main sectors in a community:

Sister city vs. Friendship city

Although sister cities is the commonly used term in the United States, some U.S. cities have formed friendship city relations with cities abroad. Often, there is no difference in these terms. For example, a friendship city relationship might be more active than a sister city relationship. If there is a difference in meaning, it is that friendship city, in the U.S., tends to refer to a partnership that is more limited in scope. Sister Cities International encourages U.S. communities to use the term sister city, county or state, which is the most commonly used term in the United States. International communities may use whichever term that is compatible in their country, or use the same U.S. terms as stated previously. The most important thing is that these relationships should not be entered into casually there needs to be a commitment to fully develop city hall, community and business support for the partnership, keeping it active, with substantive programs, over the long-term.

Sister Cities International "International Partners" program

Sister Cities International's "International Partners" program is an alternative to the traditional, long-term sister cities partnership. This type of affiliation allows sister city partners to undertake shorter-term (perhaps two- or three-year) projects to address issues like economic development, healthcare or municipal cooperation, with an international partner. During the project period, the two communities will be known as "International Partners for (substantive area)." These partnerships provide an opportunity for both sides to assess their compatibility and hopefully build the foundation for an official, long-term sister cities partnership.