International Links >>

Friendship Agreements >>

Aomori has friendship agreements with Kecskemét (Hungary) and Pyeongtaek (South Korea), and runs a committee with Dalian (China) for the purpose of sharing economic and cultural ties.

Kecskemét, Hungary >>

• Population: 112,233 (2010)
• Surface area: 321.36 km² (124.1 square miles)
• Agreement for Collaboration in Education and Culture signed on 4th August 1994
• www.kecskemet.hu

Situated in one of Hungary's leading fruit producing regions, the city is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of apricot trees and is well known for pálinka, an apricot brandy. The city is also the birthplace of the famous composer Zoltán Kodály, and the Zoltán Kodály Institute of Music is a Mecca for those interested in studying ethnomusicology.

Exchange activities between Kecskemét and Aomori have included a music teacher exchange, exchange and exhibition of children's artwork and a visit to Kecskemét by Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.

Pyeongtaek, South Korea >>

• Population: 406,052 (2006)
• Surface area: 452.31 km² (174.6 square miles)
• Agreement for Collaboration in Education and Culture signed on 28th August 1995
• www.pyeongtaek.go.kr

Embracing three large-scale industrial parks and linked directly to Seoul by high-speed rail and expressway, Pyeongtaek aims to be Korea's third international trading port. The city is also well known as a producer of rice and pears.

Exchange activities between Pyeongtaek and Aomori have included homestay exchanges for middle school students, university study abroad exchanges and various 'samul nori' (a traditional form of Korean percussion) classes and performances in Aomori.

Dalian, China >>

• Population: 6,170,000 (2009)
• Surface area: 13,237 km² (5,110.8 square miles)
• Agreement to set up a committee for the establishment of shared economic and cultural ties between Dalian and Aomori signed on 24th December 2004
• www.dl.gov.cn

The largest industrial city in northeast China, with the largest port and the biggest airfreight distribution centre in the area, Dalian is the gateway to China's northeast by sea or by air. The Dalian Locust Flower Festival, Dalian International Fashion Festival, Dalian Fireworks Displays and the Dalian International Marathon attract visitors from all over the world.

Exchange activities between Dalian and Aomori have included a woodblock print exhibition and exchange programs between elementary and junior high schools and universities.