RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-680

A resolution recognizing our visiting dignitaries from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

WHEREAS, Nashville and Belfast, Northern Ireland have been Sister Cities since 1995; and

WHEREAS, during that 22 year period, the ties between Nashville and Belfast have grown stronger, in terms of economic development, educational opportunities, and cultural exchanges; and

WHEREAS, Nashvillians who travel to Belfast come back with stories of the friendliness of the people, the City’s major steps to establish itself as a world-class destination, and their leaders’ amazing efforts to bring peacefully together diverse cultures in a world that is sadly seeing too much of the exact opposite; and

WHEREAS, in Belfast, we have a strong and true friend that Nashville can rely on; and

WHEREAS, a delegation from the Belfast City Council, including the Right Honorable, the Lord Mayor, is visiting Nashville from May 16 through May 20, 2017, to continue their efforts to expand our two cities’ relationship; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council wishes to go on record as welcoming our friends from Belfast: the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston; Councillor Aileen Graham; Councillor Carole Howard; the Head of Economic Development and International Relations Lisa Toland; and the European officer for the Belfast City Council Frances Murray; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council further wishes to go on record as expressing its deep appreciation and friendship to the people of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council of Nashville and Davidson County officially and respectfully welcomes our visiting dignitaries from our Sister City of Belfast, Northern Ireland: the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston; Councillor Aileen Graham; Councillor Carole Howard; Head of Economic Development and International Relations Lisa Toland; and the European officer for the Belfast City Council Frances Murray.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council would respectfully request that the visiting dignitaries from Belfast take back to the people of Belfast our warmest greetings and our sincere hope for an even stronger friendship between the citizens of Nashville and the citizens of Belfast.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Shulman, Jeff Syracuse, Burkley Allen, Mina Johnson