Belleville is welcoming a delegation from its twin city of Gunpo, South Korea, for a week of cultural exchange in the Belleville area.
The two cities became twins in 1996, and have been sending delegations back and forth every two years.
This year, it is Belleville’s turn to receive the delegation, with Gunpo Mayor Ha Eun-ho joined by several prominent members of their community.
Mayor Neil Ellis was eager to show Belleville’s hospitality, and deepen ties between the two cities.
“It was started as a business exchange and that brought industries and Korean businesses here, such as I believe, Hala and a few that had settled in and then the exchange keeps going” said Mayor Ellis. “Today they’ll tour a lot of our facilities.”
Today’s receiving ceremony included some brief words by both mayors, and a symbolic gift exchange where both mayors presented a gift to the other’s city.
The delegation will tour the city over the next few days alongside members of council before returning to Korea on Tuesday.
