More Than 200 Attend 23rd Binational Convention of Sister Cities in Rosarito

ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---More than 200 members of the international community attended the XXIII Binational Convention of the Sister Cities of Mexico and the United States in this beach front city from June 14 to 17.
By: Media: Ron Raposa
 
June 25, 2012 - PRLog -- ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO---More than 200 members of the international community attended the XXIII Binational Convention of the Sister Cities of Mexico and the United States in this beach front city from June 14 to 17.

Among those who spoke at the June 15 opening ceremony at the landmark Rosarito Beach Hotel & Resort were U.S. Consul General Steven Kashkett; George Barks, president of the United State-Mexico Sister Cities Association; and Baja Tourism Secretary Juan Tintos.

Mayors from cities including Javier Robles of Rosarito, an event sponsor, were among those at opening ceremonies. Mayor Robles thanked all at the convention, including many Rosarito expatriate residents.

"I want to thank all the representatives of the U.S. and Mexico cities who attended and U.S. and Mexican residents of Rosarito for their participation," said Jorge Villanueva, president of the Rosarito Sister Cities Association.

Former Rosarito mayor and hotel owner Hugo Torres extended a special thanks to Mr. Barks for bringing a delegation of Sister Cities directors from the U.S. Mr. Torres is president of the Baja Image Committee, another event sponsor.

In welcoming comments, Mr. Barks noted that the Sister Cities program was started in 1956 by former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, who called it the "last hope for peace in our time." The association promotes brotherhood, international assistance and cooperation.

The U.S.-Mexico Sister Cities Association was formed in 1962 and has more than 250 member cities in the two nations,

U.S. Consul Kashkett spoke of the close ties between southern California and Baja California, including a linked economy. "We'll succeed or fail together," he said. "It's hard to find two countries in the world who are more closely linked,"

Consul Kashkett also said the new expanded border crossing into the U.S at San Ysidro likely would be completed in three years. He also mentioned some misunderstanding of a U.S. State Department travel warning for Mexico and urged close reading of the document.

"Baja California has never been on the list of states where we say to avoid travel," he said.

Baja Studios --- where Titanic, Master & Commander and other Hollywood blockbusters were filmed --- is in Rosarito, and Tourism Secretary Tintos talked of a resurgence of the film industry here. The major motions picture "All Is Lost" now is filming at Baja Studios.

"If any of you were walking on the beach this morning and thought you saw Robert Redford, you're right," he told the more than 200 people at the opening ceremony, "It was Robert Redford."

The XXIII Binational Convention of the Sister Cities Mexico and the United States was an important forum to discuss international cooperation and plan for the future. It included discussions on challenges, as well as success stories about sisterhood programs.

Those who attended enjoyed a blend of work and play, of interesting conferences and beach front sunsets. Many dined on traditional lobster dishes at world famous Puerto Nuevo plus visited the vineyards of the Guadalupe Valley.
End
Source:Media: Ron Raposa
Email:***@rosaritosistercities.com Email Verified
Zip:92143
Tags:Rosarito
Industry:Sister Cities
Location:San Diego - California - United States
Subject:Projects
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
Rosarito Sister Cities PRs
Trending News
Most Viewed
Top Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share