In these uncertain political times the links we maintain with our European partners can prove invaluable to our future prosperity and relations. There is a long tradition of Lord Mayors visiting our German twin city, and I made my own trip to Mannheim on Sunday. Exchange visits such as this are a wonderful way of fostering friendships and understanding between different cultures.
After the second world war, Winston Churchill encouraged the custom of twinning between towns as an act of peace and reconciliation. One notable example of this is Coventry, having been bombed heavily during the war, with Stalingrad and Dresden that had also suffered terribly. In the same vein, Swansea has been twinned with Mannheim since 1957.
The link with Mannheim is especially strong because of the involvement of ABB Stotz-Kontakt who are based in Heidelberg, and who send their apprentices to Swansea for up to six months as part of their training to gain work experience and improve on their English. I was particularly impressed during this visit at the three year training programme the apprentices are put through and the commitment the company has to people development. It is an example that many English companies would benefit from adopting.
As well as enjoying the sights and exploring the many Christmas markets in Mannheim, Weinheim and Heidelberg, I also met the Deputy Mayor of Mannheim and signed the golden visitor book. On Tuesday morning I gave a presentation to the current crop of trainees about what they can expect when they come to Swansea for two months in February.
It was a very worthwhile trip, and I look forward to welcoming many of the people I met when they pay a return visit next year.
No comments:
Post a Comment