After a year long negotiations the Municipality of Debrecen
signed a twinning agreement with the City of Patras /Greece on 17th od June.
Janos Halasz, deputy mayor for cultural affairs signed the contract with Nikos Tzanakos deputy mayor of Patras inside the Old Town Hall of Debrecen.
Patras is the 3rd largest city in Greece with a 250 000 population. Patras will be Debrecen`s 15th twin-city.
Janos Halasz made his first official visit to Patras in May 2008. Jozsef Toth (Hungarian ambassador in Athens) also helped the agreement.
The Greek city`s return visit was in May 2009. Their delegation met with university leaders, leaders of Hajdu-Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives of several cultural
institutions. Later that year Mr Halasz returned to Greece.
On the basis of the discussion the two cities can cooperate cultural, economic and education areas. The contract also opens the possibility for joint tendering for EU funds. The Patras Science-Technology Park is ready to cooperate with scientific institutions and organizations. The greek partner is open to develop relationship in the field of tourism.
