Dear Doyen Jaworski,
Consul General Chue,
Sergeant Berkowitz,
Vice-President André Trepoll,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the Senate Reception to celebrate 30 years of Sister Cities relationship between Hamburg and Chicago.
I would like to extend a special welcome to our guests from the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department.
The first relations between Hamburg and North America were based on trade and are documented as early as the 17th century.
Even during the American Revolutionary War, Hamburg maintained shipping routes to the U.S. East Coast.
In the 19th century, business flourished after the Senate signed a trade agreement with the U.S. government.
The most traded goods were textiles and agricultural products such as tobacco, cotton, rice, and coffee.
At that time, Chicago became a trading center for the Midwest and a popular destination for German immigrants. Many of them began their journey to the New World at the Port of Hamburg.
New connections to Hamburg were established with the growing German-American community in Chicago.
They form the historical foundation for the Sister Cities relationship established a century later.
During the 20th century, Hamburg and Chicago became centers of trade and manufacturing and hubs for innovation, culture, and media.
After World War II, Hamburg and Chicago were committed to contribute to a strong transatlantic friendship between Germany and the United States.
On July 20, 1994, the Sister Cities agreement was signed by Mayors Henning Voscherau and Richard M. Daley at Preston Bradley Hall in Chicago.
It stated:
“On the basis of friendly cooperation, equality and mutual benefit, the City of Chicago and the City of Hamburg will develop a sister city relationship to promote and expand cultural, economic and trade relations between the two cities.
In addition, in order to promote their prosperity and further deepen the friendship between the people of the two countries, they will practice wide-ranging exchanges in fields such as education, science, technology, sports, health and more."
From the very beginning, the partnership between the two cities have been consisting of cooperations in many different areas.
Today they include exchange programs between schools in Hamburg and Chicago, a strategic partnership between the University of Hamburg and Northwestern University, and a cooperation between HafenCity University and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
In 2018, I visited Chicago myself to meet with former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and signed the Chicago Climate Charter.
The police and fire departments in Hamburg and Chicago exchange officers to share experiences and best practices. Since 2016, the visits have taken place on the cities' famous marathon weekends.
Numerous other activities have developed under the umbrella of our partnership.
The Hamburg Soccer Association regularly organizes youth tournaments with the Schwaben Athletic Club Chicago.
Since 1996, social service workers from Hamburg and Chicago have been exchanging ideas on professional issues.
In the field of music, there are various collaborations and exchanges. In May, for example, the NDR Big Band will give a concert and jam session with local musicians in Chicago.
I could go on and on about the areas of cooperation between Hamburg and Chicago.
To get a more complete overview, I encourage you to visit the exhibition in the lobby of our City Hall.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Chicago and Hamburg have much in common.
We share a rich maritime tradition, we are green cities with ambitious climate goals, and we are driven by the heartbeat of our strong economies.
The city partnership between Hamburg and Chicago provides a strong framework for our cooperation in business, education, science, culture and government.
The activities are organized by ambitious partners and driven by the spirit of global cities, inspired by the values of freedom and democracy and an optimistic view of the future.
On behalf of the Senate, I would like to thank you all for your work.
Congratulations on 30 years of city partnership between Hamburg and Chicago!
Thank you very much.