Saturday, October 18, 2014
MINNEAPOLIS—Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Minneapolis City Council passed and Mayor Betsy Hodges signed a resolution to begin a sister-city partnership with Bosaso, Somalia’s third largest city.
“A sister-city partnership between Minneapolis and Bosaso is another step forward for Somali-Americans in our community and around the country. I’m proud Minneapolis is the first American city to commit to work so closely with a city in Somalia.
“During my visit to Somalia last year, Mayor Mohamed Nur discussed the opportunity for Hennepin County to form a sister-county partnership with Bannadir County. I hope the Hennepin County Board will take up a resolution on the issue soon.
“Somalia is becoming an important economic and security partner for the United States. The closer economic ties and vital exchanges in our communities that come from sister-city relationships can promote stability in Somalia. Other American cities should follow Minneapolis’ lead and pursue partnerships with cities in the country.”