BUFFALO CITY has an official bond with Milwaukee County in the United States.

Executive Mayor Zintle Peter signed the historic partnership agreement in Milwaukee City on Monday, 28 January. Also party to signing the agreement were Milwaukee County board chairman Lee Holloway, County executive Scoot Walker and County supervisor Michael Mayo Senior.

Peter's delegation to Milwaukee included the director for executive support services Vuyo Zambodla and mayoral special advisor Peter King.

Buffalo City also has official links to Leiden in the Netherlands and Gävle in Sweden.

Partnerships are formed to allow the linked cities to share information, skills or experience with one another to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the respective cities.

An agreement – known as the Sister Cities Agreement – had originally been established in 1997 between Mikwaukee County and the then King Williams Town TLC, prior to its amalgamation into Buffalo City three years later.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Peter said she looked forward to translating the intentions of the agreement to build bridges of cooperation between the two regions.

"We also want to use it to ensure that we make a concerted effort to give back to the needy in our communities in the spirit of ensuring a better life for all," she added.

The agreement would benefit both regions as it aimed to build a bridge through business, health, and cultural exchanges, as well as supporting development programmes.

Milwaukee County executive Mayo said he was happy to join the county executive in signing the agreement. "It is truly a win-win [situation] for residents of Milwaukee County and Buffalo City in South Africa," said Mayo, adding that the promotion of health care initiatives was of particular importance. "One of the most important aspects of this relationship is developing an international health initiative," he added.