Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) – On September 9, 2023, the Governor of Erbil and the Mayor of Nashville, in cooperation with the Sister Cities of Nashville, signed the Nashville-Erbil Sister City agreement at the Nashville Public Library.  Ms. Treefa Aziz, the KRG Representative to the United States,  also participated in the ceremony. 

The day marked a significant milestone in the partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States as dignitaries from both regions gathered to celebrate the historic day.

Mayor John Cooper celebrated the occasion on his official Twitter account, stating, "It’s official. Nashville and Erbil are Sister Cities. This historic Sister City partnership will focus on cultural and educational exchange, transparency in government, and making lasting connections between the people of Erbil and Nashville.”

Representative Aziz said “Through this sister city agreement, we pave the way for cultural enrichment, economic development, and the forging of lasting bonds. It’s heartening to witness the commitment of both cities to learn from each other, to celebrate our unique traditions, and to find common ground upon which to build a brighter tomorrow.”

Throughout their visit, Governor Omed Xoshnaw and Representative Aziz participated in several engagements, including Nashville’s Labor Day Parade and a fun day at Sounds Stadium, enjoying a classic American pastime. The delegation also toured the National Museum of American American Music, the Andrew Jackson Hermitage Mansion and Museum, and John Overton High School.  Additionally, they engaged with a group of Tennessee credit unions in an informative session, discussing financial services initiatives and the commitment to assisting the Kurdish community in the state. Furthermore, productive meetings were held with Governor Bill Lee and Congressman Andy Ogles, separately,  to discuss the partnership, regional developments, and opportunities to boost Kurdish-American cooperation.

This Sister City agreement paves the way for fostering a deeper understanding and collaboration between the two cities, aimed at benefiting both communities through cultural, educational, and governmental exchanges.