Press Releases
U.S. Ambassador Bradtke Celebrates U.S.-Croatian City Partnerships
For Immediate Release
February 6, 2008
Zagreb, February 6, 2008 - U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Robert A. Bradtke, will join the Mayor of Umag, Vlado Kraljević, on 7 February, 2008, to celebrate U.S.-Croatia city twinning partnerships. In attendance will be Croatian mayors from Buzet, Labin, Pazin, Belišće and Vinkovci as well as representatives from Rijeka, Dubrovnik and Karlovac. Their U.S. counterparts come from Monterey, California; Kansas City, Kansas; Pendleton, Oregon; and Port Townsend; Washington. The press is invited to attend the introductory speeches beginning at 9 a.m. at Hotel Sol Garden Istra in Umag.
City Twinning partnerships were part of USAID’s Local Government Reform Project (LGRP) and will continue after USAID closes its Mission in Croatia. The U.S. Government remains committed to strong links and friendship between partnered communities. This event will showcase some of the leading examples of development successes based on sound relationships and commitment to improve their communities.
The cities engaged in professional dialogue and technical cooperation tackling key urban challenges facing Croatia’s local governments. U.S. cities also gained valuable insights, including Kansas City, which learned from Karlovac’s approach to asset management, and Monterey, which benefited from Dubrovnik’s model for recreational trail signs.
Dubrovnik explored options for extending the tourism season; Karlovac designed an effective international marketing strategy; Labin, Buzet and Pazin focused on ways to support the local business community and Umag concentrated on urban redevelopment and active consultation with community stakeholders.
USAID is the primary assistance organization of the United States Government. Since 1992, the United States has provided over $407 million to Croatia (much of it through USAID programs) to strengthen democratic institutions and assist in postwar reconstruction and the return of refugees, to support de-mining and economic development, and to provide educational and training opportunities. The U.S. has also provided guidance and support to the Croatian judicial and military sectors to further Croatia's integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.
For additional information, please contact Ms. Anja Picelj-Kosak at the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Office, phone (01) 661-2284, cell 091-661-2284, or e-mail: picelja@state.gov