The International Relations Committee advances Rochester as a global city and promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation through citizen diplomacy – one individual, one community at a time – for the benefit of Rochester and its sister cities. In Rochester, our International Relations Committee:

• Coordinates the “sister city” program.
• Supports international affairs and information in the City.
• Provides a welcoming and supportive climate for international residents.
• Supports and encourages internal consciousness in the community.

Sister Cities is a national initiative to develop economic, cultural, and technical exchanges between US cities, counties, and states with corresponding communities worldwide. Sister Cities promote peace through people-to-people relationships. Rochester, Minnesota has six Sister Cities around the world:

• Akita, Japan
• Kathmandu, Nepal
• Moosburg, Germany
• Muenster, Germany
• Siheung, South Korea
• Xianyang, China

Ardell Brede
Cecilia Dingledy
John Eckerman
Angela Ge, Vice Chair
Brenda Kardock
Paul Larson
Junko Maruta
Herta Matteson
Chao Mwatela
Kim Norton
Mira Ratrout
Dewan (Ken) Shashi
Loring Stead
Katie Sundstrom, Chair
Bill VonBank
Joe Ward

Agenda - March 26, 2024

Minutes - February 27, 2024

Agenda - February 27, 2024

Minutes - January 23, 2024

Agenda - January 23, 2024

Climate Smart Municipalities

Sister Cities International

The Office of the Mayor is seeking volunteers to be part of Friendship Committees for each of our Sister Cities to help re-invigorate our relationships with each city, work on joint projects, and coordinate future endeavors to link our communities in new and creative ways. We are seeking both international residents residing in Rochester and Rochester residents with a particular interest in learning more about one of these cities/countries. The Friendship Committees will meet monthly and meetings will be scheduled based on member’s availability.

• Muenster and Moosburg, Germany Friendship Committee
• Akita, Japan Friendship Committee
• Xianyang, China Friendship Committee
• Siheung, South Korea Friendship Committee
• Kathmandu, Nepal Friendship Committee

To express interest in joining the International Relations Committee OR one or more Friendship Committee(s), please email the Office of the Mayor with your interest and experience, availability for meetings, as well as the city/cities you are interested in.