Office of the Mayor

Mayor's Commission on
International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters

The Commission on International Relations & Cultural Liaison Encounters, or CIRCLE, commission was established in 1996 in response to the Atlanta Olympics in which Columbus hosted the softball events. Its mission is to promote and coordinate communication, contacts and encounters between Columbus and the people of other nations and to facilitate cross–cultural communications and associations among the various national groups in Columbus. The commission is composed of twelve members who each serve four–year terms. The Columbus Council appoints eight of the members and the Mayor appoints four.

Sister Cities

 

flag-romania

photo-bistritaBistrita, Romania, the capital city of Bistrita-Nasaud County, in northern Transylvania, Romania. It is situated on the Bistrita River. The city has a population of approximately 70,000 inhabitants, and it administers six villages: Ghinda, Sarata, Sigmir, Slatinita, Unirea and Viisoara....Googlemaps »»

 


 

flag-kiryuphoto-kiryu

Kiryu, Gunma, Japan in the southeast part of Gunma, in the northern Kanto Plain near the Tochigi border. It is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 mi) northwest of Tokyo. The city is also not far from Mount Akagi, a large but dormant volcano. The city consists of two separate geographic areas, with the city of Midori sandwiched in between. Situated at the foot of Mount Akagi, the city boasts one of the most beautiful settings in the Kanto region. Two rivers, the Kiryu and the Watarase River, run through the heart of the city and it is likewise surrounded by picturesque mountains to the north. Umeda, a district on the north side of the city, is well known for its cedar trees, while red pines are also common in other areas. ...Googlemaps »»

 


 

flag-taichungphoto-taichung

Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C., Located in the Taichung Basin, the name of the city was created under Japanese rule, and became a major economic and cultural hub. Originally composed of several scattered hamlets, the city of Taichung was planned and developed by the Japanese. It was called "the Kyoto of Formosa" in Japanese era because of its calm and beauty. The city is home to the National Museum of Natural Science, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, the National Taichung Theater, the National Library of Public Information, and the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, as well as many cultural sites, including the historic Taichung Park, the Lin Family Gardens, and many temples. ...Googlemaps »»

 


 

flag-zugdidiphoto-zugdidi

Zugdidi, Georgia is a city in the Western Georgian historical province of Samegrelo. The name "Zugdidi" first appears in the 17th century. Literally it means "big hill". Historically Zugdidi was a capital of the Principality of Mingrelia until 1867, when the principality was abolished by the Russian Empire.      ...Googlemaps »»

International Organizations & Activities

  • Asia–Pacific Alliance
  • Center for International Education, Columbus State University
    Contact: Dr. Neal McCrillis at (706) 565–4036
  • Holy Transfiguration Church
    Contact: (706) 660–1777
  • INDO–US Cultural Association
  • International Friendship Ministries
  • International Network
    Contact: Mary Renteria (706) 596–9257, or Merlina Salamanca (706) 323–9505
  • International Wives, Fort Benning
    Contact: Olga Kelly (706) 687–6471, or Trudy Hancock (706) 561–3667
  • KlubHeimatland, Columbus, Georgia (celebrating German and German traditions)
    Contact: Frau Inge Wills at (706) 327–30496, or Frau Andrea Kuykendall (706) 888–9098
  • Masjid Al Jannah Islamic Center
    Contact: (706) 568–6750
  • One Columbus
  • St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Ministry
    Contact: (706) 332–4246
  • Temple Israel
    Contact: (706) 323–1617