November 10, 2012

Mayor Rahm Emanuel meets with Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to the United States

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Today, Mayor Rahm Emanuel met with Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to the United States. Chicago has long enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the United Kingdom. In 1993, Chicago became a Sister City with the industrial city of Birmingham, England.

“The relationship between Chicago and the United Kingdom is strong and continues to grow.  From our sister city agreement with Birmingham to Prime Minister Cameron’s interest in the 1871 tech incubator, the connection between our city and the UK is growing ever deeper,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Our tech companies and startups may be built in Chicago, but their reach is global, continuing to strengthen our international relationships we are ensuring that Chicago remains the most strategically advantageous city in the world for both entrepreneurs and established businesses.”

Mayor Emanuel and Ambassador Westmacott discussed the developing high tech relationship between the United Kingdom and Chicago, and the value of building upon the existing Sister City agreement.  Much like Chicago, the economy of Birmingham has a rich industrial history, but has transitioned to focus more on professional services.

Since taking office in 2011, Mayor Emanuel has been committed to strengthening the relationship between Chicago and the UK, taking meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby.

Mayor Emanuel has been very involved in maintaining Chicago’s international relationships, also meeting with mayors and dignitaries from China, Canada, and Japan among other nations.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Robert Chatterton Dickson, British Consul General of Chicago.

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