In the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, spanning Brush Creek on the Country Club Plaza, stands the Sister Cities International Bridge. Dedicated in 2000, the bridge is home to the national flags of Kansas City’s 12 sister cities – from Seville, Spain (since 1967) to Yan’an, China (since 2017). 2021 marks the 65th anniversary of the Sister Cities program and offers a timely opportunity to explore the active business, cultural, and educational links that reinforce Kansas City’s vibrant international identity.
The Sister Cities Association of Kansas City and the International Relations Council invite you to join us for a virtual series of monthly conversations with representatives from Kansas City’s sister cities to get to know these communities that bridge Kansas City with the world. More>>
Program Premiere Dates
Seville, Spain
January 2021
Sevilla is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region and was It was the home of Expo ’92 World’s Fair. Kansas City was the only city in USA to be invited to exhibit there. Recently Kansas City and Seville celebrated the 50th anniversary of their sisterhood.
EST. 1967
Kurashiki, Japan
February 2021
Kurashiki is a city on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. It’s known for the centuries-old buildings and shops of the Bikan Historical Quarter. Kurashiki donated a Japanese Tea Room Kansas City’s Loose Park in July 2006. The cities celebrated their 45th anniversary in 2017.
EST. 1972
Partner with the Heart of America Japan-America Society
Morelia, Mexico
March 2021
Morelia is the capital of Michoacán State. The historic downtown is a UN World Heritage site. It has sponsored language and culture training for police officers from the Kansas City Police Department. This sisterhood’s 45th anniversary will be celebrated in 2018 in August.
EST. 1973
France
April 2021
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, France is well known for its cuisine, arts, and natural and architectural beauty. Founded in 463 AD, France has a fascinating history and remains one of the most influential countries in the modern world. Paris, the capital city, sees over 30 million tourists on a yearly basis.
Tainan, Taiwan
May 2021
Tainan was the ancient capital of Taiwan. The city features a warm climate with business opportunities readily available. It is located on the southwest coast of Taiwan, and served as the island’s capital from 1683–1887 under the Qing dynasty.
EST. 1978
Xi’an, China
June 2021
Xi’an literally means “Western Peace”. It was one of the Four Ancient Capitals of China, and is now the capital of Shaanxi Province in central China. The Xi’an Sister City Committee is also the originator of the tradition of dragon boat racing tradition each spring on Brush Creek.
EST. 1989
Guadalajara, Mexico
July 2021
Guadalajara is the capital of the State of Jalisco and the 2nd largest City in Mexico. It is the birthplace of the mariachis and charreadas. It’s known for tequila and great music. Guadalajara’s historic center is dotted with colonial plazas and landmarks such as the Teatro Degollado.
EST. 1991
Hannover, Germany
August 2021
Capital of Lower Saxony with Royal Heritage, a modern city in the North-West of Germany. Internationally famous Hannover Messe with world’s largest industry and machinery exhibition, thriving economy with international im- and exports, great cultural venues for Museums, Theaters, Sports (Soccer), Zoo, modern Architecture, Churches of many different denominations, Universities with UMKC Collaboration in Engineering, Music, Jazz Festival and Exchanges with KCJO and Conservatory.
EST. 1993
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
September 2021
With a population of over 1 million, Port Harcourt is the chief oil refining city of Nigeria. Port Harcourt is the capital and largest city of Rivers State, Nigeria. Trips to Port Harcourt involving Kansas City area medical professionals and institutions have been an ongoing interest.
EST. 1993
Arusha, Tanzania
October 2021
Arusha is the capital of the Arusha Region in North Tanzania. It is located in Tanzania in east Africa. It’s a gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro-16100 ft. above sea level. To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to diverse wildlife.
EST. 1995
Ramla, Israel
November 2021
Ramla is a city in central Israel. The city is predominantly Jewish with a significant Arab minority. In an inspirational program called “Let the Children Play”, the Ramla Committee brought together Jewish and Moslem Kansas Citians to collect toys for distribution to children of all faiths in the Ramla area.
EST. 1998
Yan’an, China
December 2021
Yan’an is a prefecture-level city in the Shanbei region of Shaanxi province, China. The Long March ended near Yan’an in 1935 and the City saw the birth of the Chinese Communist Party. Kansas City journalist Edgar Snow was the first western journalist to give a full account of this aspect of Chinese history.
EST. 2017