GULFPORT, Miss. — The Harrison County Development Commission hosted Rionegro, Colombia, Mayor Jorge Humberto Rivas and his family for a three-day visit to Coastal Mississippi from July 28–30, reaffirming a sister city partnership first established in 2019. The relationship began with trade discussions in 2018 and led to Gulfport and Biloxi signing the region’s first sister city agreement with Rionegro during a 2019 visit to Colombia. The renewed pact focuses on expanding collaboration in trade, tourism, and student exchange programs. Highlights of the visit included a welcome reception at Island View Casino, tours of Biloxi landmarks, and a signing ceremony at the Biloxi Visitors Center with mayors from Biloxi and Gulfport. The delegation also visited the Port of Gulfport for a briefing on port operations and concluded with a visit to Black Jack Ranch. Officials said the partnership underscores the value of local-global connections in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and educational opportunities.

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