A large delegation from Belleville’s twin city Lahr Germany was officially welcomed by city council on Monday.
The delegation is led by Oberburgermeister Markus Ibert, six council members, and several members of the public.
Ibert said the trans-Atlantic bridge developed by the twin cities over 52 years has led to deep friendships and shared goals.
“Today at a time when we are constantly confronted by differences and divisions and democracy and our peaceful coexistence cannot be taken for granted, we need such bridges and dialogue more than ever.”
Ibert was referring to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as well as to recent presidential elections in the U.S.
The Lahr delegation will be touring the Quinte region for a week, meeting with numerous community partners and organizations.
Friendship flights and student exchanges began between Lahr and Belleville in 1972. The idea first came about after Canada’s military took over a base near Lahr in Canada’s Centennial Year 1967.
Over the decades, around 3,000 Germans and Canadians have benefitted from the program.
