Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik, Jelka Tepšić, and her associates today welcomed a delegation from Dubrovnik’s sister city, Monterey, on the occasion of the ninth Du Motion – Runners’ Days Dubrovnik sports and tourism event, held on April 26 and 27.

Laurie Huelga from the City of Monterey introduced the members of the delegation, which included the winners of this year’s Big Sur International Marathon — a marathon held in Monterey for nearly 40 years — as well as its organizers. She conveyed greetings from Monterey’s Mayor Tyler Williamson and thanked the hosts for their hospitality, expressing her delight that they actively participate in the Du Motion half marathon every year.

The meeting also covered the latest collaborative project between the two cities — the Dubrovnik Jazz Outbreak Festival, which will take place in November at the Lazareti complex. Last year, a memorandum of cooperation between the jazz festivals of Monterey and Dubrovnik was signed in Monterey, opening the door to musician exchanges and the creation of new initiatives in the fields of art and culture.

Dubrovnik and Monterey formalized their partnership in 2007 by signing a charter, but their friendship has been thriving for 20 years through various projects, including the Dubrovnik Half Marathon and the Dubrovnik Jazz Outbreak Festival, as well as through organizing student and school exchange programs.