At its Feb. 13 Commission meeting, the City of Pompano Beach signed a resolution to make the City of Ascoli Satriano, Italy an official friendship city.
A friendship city is a more informal version of a sister city. President Dwight D. Eisenhower inaugurated the sister city program in 1956 to establish and foster greater friendship and understanding between the people of the United States and other nations through direct personal contact.
“It is hoped that the friendship city relationship will provide opportunities for cultural, educational and business exchanges, as well as, providing our citizens, students and youth with international experiences to broaden the perspectives,” reads the resolution.
Once the resolution passed, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin was given authorization to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be directed to the Mayor of the City of Ascoli Satriano, Vincenzo Sarcone. The MOU laid out the commitment of both cities to do three things: “encourage the increase of tourism, including the support of nautical sports, cruise tourism and other travel exchanges; encourage exchanges in arts, culture, music, exhibits, dance, theater and cinema; and encourage educational exchanges between educational institutions (high schools and/or colleges).”
Once signed by both mayors, Pompano Beach and Ascoli Satriano will be officially committed to these goals. The MOU may be terminated by either party at any time, for no express reason, upon giving 30 days’ written notice.
Mayor Hardin said, “Establishing a Friendship City with Ascoli Satriano by exchanging our arts and culture, business and trade, youth and education, and community development is a win-win for both cities”.
About Pompano’s New Friendship City
Ascoli Satriano is situated in the northern part of the Apulia region, in the historic area known as Daunia. It is located inland, not far from the Adriatic Sea coast. The town has ancient origins, dating back to pre-Roman times when it was inhabited by the Daunians, an ancient Italic tribe. It has a rich history, with various influences from different civilizations over the centuries, including Roman, Byzantine, and Norman.
The city boasts several notable landmarks and attractions, including the Archaeological Park of Ascoli Satriano, which contains archaeological remains dating back to the Daunian and Roman periods, a necropolis, tombs and other ancient structures. The town also has grand churches, such as the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Church of San Nicola.
According the the 2017 census, Ascoli Satriano has a population of just 6,204. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the cultivation of olives, grapes, wheat and other crops.
If you have ideas for promoting exchange, reach out to your Pompano Beach City Commissioner. Contacts can be found at pompanobeachfl.gov.
