A 35-member delegation from Japan’s Fukuoka Prefectural Government on Monday met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to  commemorate the 15th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the Delhi government and the Fukuoka Prefectural Government (FPG). This agreement, first signed on March 5, 2007, and still ongoing, was extended until March 31, 2026. During this 15th-anniversary ceremony, Kejriwal and Fukuoka’s Vice Governor Akie Omagari signed the twinning agreement. During this meeting, the Delhi Government’s Cabinet Ministers were also present.

The collaboration between the Fukuoka Prefectural Government and the Delhi Government has focused on various areas of mutual cooperation, primarily encompassing the environment, culture, tourism, heritage, education, and youth exchange.

Over the past 15 years, both cities have engaged in various activities in art and cultural exchanges, environmental technology, and student/youth exchange programs. The agreement also aims to explore possibilities in the areas of environment-related major issues today. Consequently, there’s a possibility of involvement not only with school students but also with cultural groups as a result of this agreement.

Chief Minister Kejriwal stated “Greetings to all from the bottom of my heart, as I stand before you representing the extraordinary bond between Delhi and Fukuoka as sister cities, a connection deeply woven with the threads of developed and shared cooperation since 2007. Delhi and Fukuoka have had a Friendship Agreement since March 5, 2007, and I am extremely delighted that the same is now being extended for a further period of 03 years till 31 March 2026.”

He also said “Our friendship isn’t a mere agreement between two cities; it’s a profound connection rooted in spiritual affinity and cultural ties that have weathered the sands of time. The influence of Indian Culture, particularly through Buddhism, has left an indelible mark on Japanese society, fostering a genuine sense of closeness among the Japanese people toward India in general and the people of Delhi in particular. Our friendship agreement of the last 15 years, in particular, has brought both cities closer by way of mutual cooperation and exchanges and benefits, especially in the fields of Environment, Art and Culture, Archaeology and recently in the field of Education.”

Vice Governor Fukuoka Prefectural Government Akie Omagari stated, “Today, Our delegates have been warmly welcomed by you.”