Mayor To Visit Stamford's Sister City Lima, Peru

Mayor David Martin is heading to Lima, Peru as part of the Sister City agreement between the two cities.

Martin will be visiting Lima Thursday through Monday, June 22, according to a statement from his office. The trip was announced by Martin and members of the Stamford Peruvian community and city officials on Tuesday.

The Sister City Agreement between Stamford and Lima was signed in 2009 by then-Mayor Dannel Malloy. Two years later, in 2011, the mayor and city officials visited Lima on an official visit for the first time. Since taking office, Martin has continued the relationship with its Sister City, hosting world-renowned ceviche chef Javier Wong in January 2015 and Peruvian Congressman Carlos Bruce in July 2014, and participating in a number of locally-organized cultural events.

“Stamford is proud to be home to a large and vibrant Peruvian community, which contributes so much to the diversity and vibrancy of our community,” Martin said in a statement. “The upcoming visit to Lima is an incredible opportunity to celebrate and build upon our Sister City relationship and to discuss the issues and opportunities facing our cities. I am looking forward to what I know will be a wonderful visit.”

“This is a momentous and historic occasion for our City, that our Mayor would not only be received, but invited to impart Stamford’s success to one of the largest cities in South America,” said Alex Martinez, President of the Peruvian American Community Center (PACC) in Stamford.

The Stamford delegation also will include city Rep. Willy Giraldo (District 4), and Special Assistants to the Mayor Thomas Dec and Martin Levine. The trip will come at no expense to city taxpayers.

During his visit, Martin will meet with Lima Mayor Luis Castañeda to discuss the various policy initiatives of their respective administrations. Castañeda is particularly interested in Stamford’s recent public safety initiatives, according to Martin.

Martin also is scheduled to meet with Mayor Castañeda’s Cabinet, President of the Peruvian Congress Ana María Solórzano, Peruvian Congressman Carlos Bruce, Mayor of San Borja Marco Antonio Alvarez Vargas, and other local dignitaries.

In celebration of Stamford’s Sister City partnership with Lima, the Peruvian Flag will be flown over Old Town Hall for the duration of the trip.