After the Second World War, city partnerships in Europe were set up in order to develop understanding between people through direct contact and thus to stabilize peace.

Thus, the cities of Lahr and Dole (France) created a city partnership in 1962. At this time French forces were stationed at Lahr airport. This partnership is still very much alive today and is enriched by annual exchanges.

After the withdrawal of the French army, Lahr airport became the headquarters of the Canadian forces. Lahr’s second city partnership with Belleville, Ontario developed from the close relationship of the Lahr people with the Canadians. Here, so-called “friendship flights” take place at regular intervals. These intend to bring the people closer to the other city.

Since a sculptor’s forum of Costa Rican artists in 2001 intensive contact with the city of Alajuela in Costa Rica has also developed. Here cooperation areas are developed and possibilities for closer collaboration are discussed. In Lahr a registered circle of Alajuela-Lahr friends has been founded to do this. On 6th March 2006 the Lahr city council decided to set up a city partnership with Alajuela.

Partnerships are assets which bear fruit in the form of friendship and understanding between people. Assets in this sense bring the people closer to other cities in partnerships and friendships, reduce discrimination and contribute to lasting peace.