Today, Mayor Todd Gloria officially signed a Sister City agreement with Mayor Benoît Payan of Marseille, France, formalizing a partnership designed to expand economic opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and build lasting connections between the two dynamic port cities. 

“San Diego is proud to welcome Marseille as our newest Sister City,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This partnership is about delivering real benefits to San Diegans – opening doors for local businesses, creating opportunities for our universities and research institutions, and enriching our community through cultural exchange. At a time when national politics often seem chaotic and inward-looking, cities like San Diego are stepping up to lead globally and secure opportunities for our people.” 

“Marseille is honored to join hands with San Diego as Sister Cities,” said Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan. “Our two cities share a spirit of innovation, a deep connection to the sea, and a commitment to building inclusive, dynamic communities. This partnership will allow us to exchange knowledge, strengthen economic and cultural ties, and create new opportunities for our residents. Together, Marseille and San Diego can demonstrate how cities on opposite sides of the globe can work side-by-side for the benefit of our people.” 

As two innovation-driven port cities with world-class life sciences, maritime industries, and creative communities, San Diego and Marseille are uniquely positioned to benefit from stronger ties. The partnership will support: 

• Economic Growth: Connecting San Diego businesses with Europe’s Mediterranean gateway, expanding trade, investment, and market access.
• Innovation and Research: Fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and companies in life sciences, blue economy, and technology.
• Cultural Exchange: Strengthening people-to-people connections, with opportunities for student exchange, tourism growth, and community programming. 

“Marseille sits at the nexus of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, making it an ideal partner for San Diego’s globally competitive and binational economy,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of World Trade Center San Diego. “Formalized during our 2025 Trade Mission, this Sister City relationship will help San Diego companies reach new markets, attract international investment, and create quality jobs here at home. It’s another step in cementing San Diego’s position as a global leader in innovation and trade.” 

San Diego’s vibrant French-American community – estimated at 60,000 residents across the county – has long contributed to the city’s diverse international identity, including through cultural institutions such as the House of France in Balboa Park. The new partnership provides a platform to elevate these cultural ties and showcase the enduring friendship between San Diego and France. 

The signing took place during San Diego’s Trade Mission to France, led by Mayor Gloria, U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, and World Trade Center San Diego. The mission has focused on strengthening economic ties, promoting San Diego as a hub for innovation, and building relationships that deliver tangible benefits to San Diegans. 

“Global engagement is not a luxury for San Diego – it’s a necessity,” Mayor Gloria said. “By deepening our ties with Marseille, we’re creating new opportunities for our businesses, our universities, and our residents. This partnership will pay dividends for years to come.”