The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Fareed Hussain, has been behind the agreement and joined his opposite number from Hebron, Dr Professor Daoud Zatari, in a signing ceremony at the Council House.

 

It was watched by more than 30 people representing the cultural, educational and industrial aspects of Derby - which it is hoped will become involved in the ongoing relationship with the Middle Eastern city – the second oldest in the world after Jericho.

 

Hebron is slightly larger than Derby and is the subject of an international agreement, which means it is in part-Israeli and part-Palestinian control.

But the situation has continually provoked unrest among both settlers, while a settlement continues to be sought by governments across the world.

 

Mr Hussain said: “I visited Hebron last year and knew I had to drive forward an agreement between our two cities.

“Other UK places have shied away from doing it, afraid of criticism, but I am prepared to absorb the flak, because it is a relationship that will have mutual benefits.”