The signing, by Sliema mayor Albert Bonello Du Puis and Sables-d’Olonne mayor Louis Guedon, took place at the council offices of this French west coast town.

Talks on linking the two councils began in 1999 at a meeting between Mr Guedon and the French ambassador to Malta Didier Destremeau, and intensified in 2002 when Mr Guedon and international relations councillor Mr Emmanuel Marsili visited the Sliema council.

The Sliema delegation to France, led by the mayor, included councillors Michael Pace Ross, Luke Vella and Martin Debono, executive secretary Lino Bartolo, former councillor Maria Inguanez and NSTS principal Francis Stivala.

Mr Destremeau was present for the Maltese delegation’s official talks with the French council.

The Sliema delegation also held talks with English language professors and promoted English language schools in Sliema and youth exchanges.

They also visited a yacht building facility and a water sports institute during their visit.