Twinning Aberdeen

Aberdeen's International Partnerships

Nagasaki

Through the links of Aberdeen's famous Thomas Blake Glover, a Friendship Agreement between Aberdeen and Nagasaki was formed in April 2010. Since the link was created, efforts are being made to increase the awareness of the Japanese connections.

Opportunities which are being explored include a Japanese Film Festival, Japanese Artist Residency in Aberdeen and in Arts Across Learning Festival, and encouraging teachers to use available resources through GLOW to increase knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and life.

Thomas Blake Glover is revered in Japan as being one of the founders of modern Japan. He had a crucial role in the industrialisation of Japan and in the introduction of Western developments. Glover provided three warships for the Japanese Navy which were built in Aberdeen. For his efforts, Glover was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun and was the first non-Japanese person to be given this privilege.

Africa

A number of enquiries are received by the International Partnerships Officer into helping to start communications or build links with African nations. The International Partnerships Officer can help start communications by contacting the relevant Embassy and make formal enquries.

International Students

The International Partnerships Officer is increasingly working with the universities, University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, to increase the support given for international students to Aberdeen and making them aware of the services offered to them.

Honorary Consuls

Meetings are held with the Honorary Consuls in Aberdeen to give updates on Aberdeen City Council, twinning projects and identify where we can provide assistance to each other. A list of the Honorary Consuls in Aberdeen and Scotland can be found on the Useful Links.