Our Sister Cities Associations

Updated November 7, 2025, reflecting HB 128 and Chapter 795 in the Texas Government Code (effective September 1, 2025)

Current Associations

Aberdeen, Scotland (1979)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (2001)

Baku, Azerbaijan (1976)

Basrah, Iraq (2015)

Chiba, Japan (1972)

Guayaquil, Ecuador (1987)

Huelva, Spain (1969)

Istanbul, Turkey (1988)

Karachi, Pakistan (2009)

Leipzig, Germany (1993)

Luanda, Angola (2003)

Nice, France (1973)

Perth, Australia (1983)

Stavanger, Norway (1980)

Taipei, Taiwan (1961)

Tampico, Mexico (2003)

Ulsan, South Korea (2021)

Prior Associations

The 89th Legislature of the State of Texas passed HB 128, creating a new Chapter 795 in the Texas Government Code regulating sister-city agreements between Texas governmental entities and foreign countries or communities.

Chapter 795.001 defines China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia; as a “Foreign adversary” and Chapter 795.003 prohibits establishing, maintaining or renewing a sister-city agreement with a foreign adversary.

Chapter 795 expires January 1, 2027.

Shenzhen, China (1984) (prohibited as of September 1, 2025 due to the passage of the 89th Texas Legislature passing HB 128 and Chapter 795 in the Texas Government Code, full text can be viewed here: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.795.htm)

Tyumen, Russia (1995) (Suspended as of February 24, 2023. The full press release by the City of Houston, Mayor’s Office of Communication regarding the suspension can be viewed here: https://houstontx.gov/moc/sister-city-tyumen-suspension.html)