As the Capital of the United States of America, Washington partners with National Capitals throughout the world. Each nation’s capital has its own culture, character, history, challenges, and priorities, which it brings to the table through Sister City Agreements and Protocols of Friendship. These partnerships create opportunities for the partners to learn from each other in the areas of government administration, economic development, education, and cultural exchange

The District of Columbia has signed Sister City Agreements or Protocols of Friendship with:

• Bangkok, Thailand (since 1962)
• Dakar, Senegal (since 1980)
• Beijing Municipality, People’s Republic of China (since 1984)
• Brussels Capital Region, Belgium (since 1985)
• Tshwane (Pretoria), South Africa (since 2002)
• Paris, France (since 2000)
• Athens, Greece (since 2000)
• Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea (since 2006)
• Accra, Ghana (since 2006)
• Sunderland, United Kingdom – George Washington’s Ancestral Home (since 2006)

View Sister City FAQs