By Andrea Vasquez
On Cinco de Mayo, Chihuahua Mayor Marco Bonilla and Mayor Tim Keller signed the renewal of their 55-year-old sister cities agreement at the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque.
Established in 1970, the partnership stands as a testament to international cooperation, based on mutual respect and shared values.
The signing of the document transcends a simple agreement, according to the officials it it is a cross-border collaboration that sets a standard despite international tensions, both cities pledge their commitment to strengthening their relationship.
“We are living in global times that undoubtedly require effective cooperation at the local level more than ever. That is why the municipal Government of Chihuahua renews its commitment to strengthening this alliance,” said Bonilla. “We will continue working as a team side by side, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand so that Chihuahua and Albuquerque remain a model of cooperation, integration, and above all, sisterhood between cities.”
A sister city relationship is a formal, long-term partnership between communities in different countries, designed to promote various exchanges and foster mutual understanding.
“At a time when some want to pull back from international relationships, we’re doing the
opposite,” said Keller. “Now more than ever, it’s critical to strengthen the relationships that unite us, and we’re reaffirming our partnership with Chihuahua because cooperation, trust, and shared opportunity matter now more than ever.”
Keller also highlighted a successful collaboration between Albuquerque and its sister city, Chihuahua.
He explains that for years, the Albuquerque Police Department has visited Chihuahua to study its real-time crime center that has been influential in improving public safety in Albuquerque, although he acknowledged there is still a long way to go.
Keller said that for the first time in a decade, crime rates have dropped in every category. He credits much of this success to the insights and practices learned from Chihuahua’s crime center.
The signing ceremony was scheduled to align with the commemoration of the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, celebrated annually on May 5.
Patricia Pinzón, Consul of Mexico in Albuquerque, highlighted that holding the event on Cinco de Mayo added meaningful symbolism, celebrating the resilience, unity and cultural identity shared by Mexican, Hispanic and Mexican-American communities.
“The date is significant for all,” said Pinzón. “It reminds us that we all belong to one same thriving community—connected not just by proximity, but by culture, history and friendship.”
During the event, Sister Cities leaders Yuriria Morales-Mangone and Aimeé González Estrada also outlined an updated strategic agenda that centers on economic development, cultural and educational exchange and cooperation on best practices in public safety, urban planning, sustainability, and public health.
“The next 55 years start now,” said González Estrada, the co-chair for the Chihuahua/Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation. “We’re going to look to trade missions and collaborations that link Albuquerque and Chihuahua’s innovative spirit. We’re going to seek exhibits, festivals, exchanges, to ensure that we are investing in the next generation of our global citizens.”
“We can really see not two communities separated, but one larger community of the southwest,” said Celeste Nuñez Salcido of Celebrating Sister Cities.
As U.S.-Mexico tensions escalate, many view partnerships like this as increasingly vital.
Following the signing of the agreement, Chair Yuriria Morales-Mangone was honored with the “Mexicanos Distinguidos” Award.
This recognition, which includes a medal and diploma from the Institute of Mexicans Abroad within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is presented through the consular network to Mexican nationals in the United States who have excelled in various fields and made extraordinary contributions that positively impact their communities of origin.