Little Rock is the State capital of Arkansas lying in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. It is an important transportation centre which has expanded mainly due to the proximity of raw materials (timber, oil, gas, coal, and bauxite). The city became a river port in 1969 with the opening of a system of locks and dams on the Arkansas River. Little Rock is also the chief market for the surrounding agricultural region.
The Friendship Agreement with Little Rock, Arkansas
"In order to share cultures and further develop understanding and co-operation between the two cities, the City of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England and the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, United States of America, have agreed to establish a Friendship Cities relationship based on good faith and mutual co-operation. On behalf of our respective cities, we hereby agree to promote Friendship Cities relationship through mutual co-operation and exchange of culture, sports, education, arts, science, technology, and trade through the establishment of an interchange of administrative data, and through the promotion of tourism and a broad range of civil interchanges. This protocol shall become effective on Saturday, July 24, 1999, with the signatures of both parties listed below."
Signed by :
The Honourable Jim Dailey, Mayor,
City of Little Rock, State of Arkansas, USA
The Right Worshipful Cllr. John Cunningham, Lord Mayor,
City of Newcastle upon Tyne, England