Sister city group looks toward a sail down the Nile

The Sonoma Sister Cities Association (SSCA), together with Mayor Joanne Sanders, welcomed His Excellency, Ambassador Abderahman Salaheldin, and The Honorable Khaled ed Shazly, Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in an informal garden gathering Monday evening to exchange ideas and enthusiasm about the sister city relationship with the Egyptian city of Aswan, which should be signed into reality by the end of the year.
In her welcome, Mayor Sanders thanked the ambassador for “having the confidence to choose us,” noting that Sonoma will be one of just five American cities with city relationships in Egypt. The others are: New York, a sister city to Cairo; Los Angeles to Giza and Ad Daqahliya; Cleveland to Alexandria; and Baltimore to Alexandria and Luxor.? She said she is passionate about what these relationships can do for people of all ages.
The Ambassador praised Sonoma for getting things done so quickly–the Sonoma City Council approved the plan at its last meeting–and talked with enthusiasm about the official signing in Aswan, in the winter, when the weather is cooler.? “I’ll be there to take a trip down the Nile, of good will,” he said, “that’s what it’s all about.”
As to hopes and plans, he spoke of his desires that the cities cultivate educational exchange, noting that Aswan University is very eager to establish relationships with a sister university such as Sonoma State, and that he would like to see student exchanges in both directions.? Environmental technology and expertise is also an area of great interest, too.? He said Egypt was looking to develop more solar energy, and when it came to sun, they had plenty of it. “We’re just warming up in Aswan now,” he said. “It’s 110-120 degrees.” Smiling at the audible expressions of pain, he added,? “but if you plan your trip with winter in mind, the weather is marvelous.”? The topic of medical exchange elicited stories from a member of the group who had actually enjoyed medical care in Egypt. A discussion followed of the relative merits of local and Egyptian hospitals for cancer research and care. With more to say than time, he extended his welcome to all, saying? “I’m hoping to have a friend in each one of you.”