France (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Marseille’s Mayor Benoît Payan has announced that the Palestinian city of Bethlehem will become Marseille’s sister city, cementing ties in a historic gesture coinciding with France’s formal recognition of the Palestinian state at the United Nations. The twinning agreement, initiated months ago, aims to foster cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between both cities.
Marseille Officially Twins with Bethlehem
As reported by Franceinfo and ICI Provence on 22 September 2025, Benoît Payan, the mayor of Marseille, formally declared that Bethlehem will be the sister city of Marseille. This announcement follows several months of negotiations and coincides symbolically with France’s recognition of Palestine as a state during the UN General Assembly.
Mayor Payan remarked that this twinning “illustrates our commitment to solidarity and cultural exchange,” emphasising the historical and spiritual significance of Bethlehem as a city recognized globally for its heritage. The partnership aims to promote exchanges in areas such as culture, education, and urban development.
France’s Recognition of the Palestinian State
The announcement aligns with France’s diplomatic milestone as President Emmanuel Macron formally recognised the Palestinian state on 22 September 2025 at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This step represents France’s response to rising calls for urgency in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supporting Palestinian sovereignty.
The twinning between Marseille and Bethlehem reflects broader political shifts and France’s intent to deepen its engagement with Palestine at local and national levels.
Importance for Marseille and Bethlehem
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a historic Mediterranean port, has a diverse population including a significant community of Palestinian origin. Forging this partnership brings symbolic and practical recognition to Marseille’s multicultural identity and leadership in international cooperation.
Bethlehem, located in the West Bank and renowned as the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ, already maintains several sister city relationships worldwide, including cities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The twinning with Marseille opens new pathways for cultural sharing, tourism initiatives, and municipal collaboration.
Bethlehem’s Established Sister City Relationships
Before Marseille, Bethlehem had sister city agreements with Tondabayashi in Japan, Schwäbisch Gmünd in Germany, Corfu in Greece, and others. These partnerships facilitate cultural exchange programs, student visits, and joint community projects designed to promote mutual understanding and economic development.
Each sister city relationship has been built on shared histories or cultural ties, echoing Bethlehem’s role as a city that has hosted diverse immigrant and religious communities over centuries.
Next Steps in Twinning: Projects and Exchanges
Mayor Payan of Marseille and Bethlehem’s municipal leaders discussed plans for joint cultural festivals, student exchange programmes, and urban planning workshops to share best practices. Marseille also hopes to enhance tourism flows to Bethlehem, tapping into religious and cultural tourism markets.
Both cities aim to use this partnership not just as a symbolic gesture, but as an engine for economic and social development, as well as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing the Palestinian population.
Political and Public Reactions
The announcement has attracted diverse reactions from local communities and political groups. Supporters see the twinning as a progressive step towards international solidarity, peace-building, and recognition for Palestinians. However, some critics raise concerns about the diplomatic implications amidst ongoing Middle East tensions.
Mayor Payan has defended the decision as a humanitarian and cultural initiative aligned with Marseille’s values, not a political stance against any parties in the conflict.
Broader Context of City Twinning
City twinning or sister city relationships are common across the world. They typically promote cross-cultural understanding, shared economic goals, and student or professional exchanges. For Bethlehem, twinning with Marseille adds to an already global network, strengthening its international profile and support system.
The twinning of Marseille and Bethlehem is a landmark event reflecting changing diplomatic landscapes and Marseille’s commitment to fostering international partnerships grounded in culture, support, and solidarity. As France recognises Palestine on the global stage, this municipal alliance reinforces local ties with historical and political resonance.
Both cities now look forward to developing tangible programmes to translate this symbolic link into shared benefits for their citizens and for strengthening cultural bonds.
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