The Liverpool city region has entered into a new agreement with Hamburg to enhance collaboration in logistics, maritime trade, and green technology. The two port cities, known for their shared Beatles history—the band performed hundreds of shows in Hamburg in the early 1960s—are now set to deepen academic, cultural, and economic ties. A new drama about the Beatles' Hamburg years is already in production.
Joint Declaration of Intent Signed
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, and Hamburg's First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to plan deeper cooperation. This follows last year's Kensington Treaty, which aims to strengthen British-German relations. The JDI focuses on areas such as logistics, maritime transformation, digitalisation, climate adaptation, tourism, and trade.
Quotes from Leaders
Steve Rotheram said: "Liverpool and Hamburg are proud port regions with a shared maritime and cultural history and a shared determination to shape the future. This Joint Declaration of Intent turns our common heritage into practical collaboration that will improve the future of our citizens, businesses, and the environment."
He added: "Both regions know what it means to reinvent ourselves, moving from traditional industry to innovation-led growth. By working together on green shipping, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, we will exchange expertise, attract investment, and support high-quality jobs on both sides of the North Sea."
Dr. Peter Tschentscher said: "Hamburg and Liverpool are linked by a long maritime tradition that has shaped our economy, culture, and the mindset of our citizens. Both cities are diverse, outward-looking, and internationally connected. They honour their traditions while, as modern metropolises, simultaneously focusing on innovation and progress."
He continued: "With the Joint Declaration of Intent, we aim to provide our partnership with a framework featuring clear structures and defined areas of focus. These include cooperation and joint projects in the fields of green shipping, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and innovative urban development."
Diplomatic Support
Andrew Mitchell CMG, British Ambassador to Germany, said: "The newly-ratified Kensington Treaty sets an ambitious framework for closer UK-Germany cooperation—and the partnership between Hamburg and Liverpool is a great example of that cooperation being turned into practical action."
He added: "This Joint Declaration of Intent builds on deep historic ties and channels them into collaboration on shared priorities: from maritime transformation and green shipping to digitalisation, AI, innovation, and climate adaptation. My warm congratulations to Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher and Mayor Steve Rotheram on this important step, which strengthens links between our communities and supports long-term prosperity on both sides of the North Sea."
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