Visitors from Belleville’s sister city, Lahr, Germany paid Belleville Council a visit this afternoon during their regular Council meeting.
The welcoming ceremony saw close to 30 German guests, including Lahr Mayor, Markus Ibert, where he and Mayor Neil Ellis exchanged gifts.
The cities of Belleville and Lahr have had a relationship for over 50 years. The two communities began their relationship in 1972, when the Canadian military maintained a base in Lahr.
“Lahr and Belleville, two cities separated by a huge ocean, have so much in common,” said Mayor Ibert.
“In our regional identity, our openness to the world, and that understanding can only come about through personal encounters,”
“Let us continue to strengthen this friendship, not only for projects and events, but also for encounters because they are what make our friendship so valuable, they bring people together, people that never otherwise would have met, and create connections that last for generations. We are happy to be guests here in the beautiful City of Belleville.”
