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Effective International Cooperation between the Municipality of Maglizh and the Municipality of Sapes, Greece
Municipality of Maglizh
Background
The friendship between the municipalities of Maglizh and Sapes dates back to 1997. Following an exchange of letters and invitations aimed at getting to better know each other s location and economy, the Maglizh Municipal Council made a decision to sign a twinning contract for cooperation and cultural exchange with the Municipality of Sapes, Greece.
The friendship between the municipalities of Maglizh and Sapes dates back to 1997. Following an exchange of letters and invitations aimed at getting to better know each other s location and economy, the Maglizh Municipal Council made a decision to sign a twinning contract for cooperation and cultural exchange with the Municipality of Sapes, Greece.
Practice
Upon the exchange of official delegations, the two municipalities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation that reads: Having in mind the meaning and the responsibilities, as well as the opportunities for development and strengthening of the ties between the municipalities of Maglizh, Bulgaria, and Sapes, Greece, we, their lawful representatives, make a step forward by signing this contract for cooperation and twinning. The contract provides for interaction in economic development, culture and education, preservation of national heritage and exchange of ideas in all areas of public and political life. The two municipalities also agreed to expand the exchange of information and the scope of their economic and commercial cooperation, based on specific contracts between commercial and production groups, regardless of ownership and in consistency with the legislation of the two countries. Exchanges in the areas of culture, science and education, construction, commerce, transport and public activities, sports and tourism, as well as for joint work on European and other programs, are also planned.
Upon the exchange of official delegations, the two municipalities signed a Memorandum of Cooperation that reads: Having in mind the meaning and the responsibilities, as well as the opportunities for development and strengthening of the ties between the municipalities of Maglizh, Bulgaria, and Sapes, Greece, we, their lawful representatives, make a step forward by signing this contract for cooperation and twinning. The contract provides for interaction in economic development, culture and education, preservation of national heritage and exchange of ideas in all areas of public and political life. The two municipalities also agreed to expand the exchange of information and the scope of their economic and commercial cooperation, based on specific contracts between commercial and production groups, regardless of ownership and in consistency with the legislation of the two countries. Exchanges in the areas of culture, science and education, construction, commerce, transport and public activities, sports and tourism, as well as for joint work on European and other programs, are also planned.
Results
For two consecutive years, Bulgarian children participated in the annual Balkan folk festival in Sapes. This year, the festival and the participation of the Maglizh dance ensemble were covered by the Greek national TV. On November 20, 2000, the mayor of Sapes visited the municipalities of Maglizh and Pavel Banya and met with mayors from other municipalities members of the Trakya Regional Association of Municipalities. The Trakya Regional Association of Municipalities is in the process of signing cross-border cooperation agreements with associations of municipalities in Turkey and Greece. Such cooperation would guarantee the effective allocation of European program funds to smaller municipalities and would provide new opportunities for exchanges in all areas of local government and the socio-economic strengthening of the Balkan municipalities.
For two consecutive years, Bulgarian children participated in the annual Balkan folk festival in Sapes. This year, the festival and the participation of the Maglizh dance ensemble were covered by the Greek national TV. On November 20, 2000, the mayor of Sapes visited the municipalities of Maglizh and Pavel Banya and met with mayors from other municipalities members of the Trakya Regional Association of Municipalities. The Trakya Regional Association of Municipalities is in the process of signing cross-border cooperation agreements with associations of municipalities in Turkey and Greece. Such cooperation would guarantee the effective allocation of European program funds to smaller municipalities and would provide new opportunities for exchanges in all areas of local government and the socio-economic strengthening of the Balkan municipalities.
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