MY thanks to the Journal for being very supportive over recent months in fully reporting the initial meetings and progress of the SalisburyXanten Twinning Association, which culminated in the signing of the twinning document on St George's Day.

Both the Xanten and Saintes twinning associations were the result of public meetings that were overwhelmingly in favour of the twinning proposals, and both associations are independent of any public funding.

For the information of your correspondent Adrian Kirkup (Postbag, May 18) and all readers, here is the text of the twinning document: "The Twinning of Salisbury and Xanten is intended to foster mutual understanding of our respective cultures.

"Individuals, groups and associations will benefit from learning about the traditions, customs and each other's way of life.

"Twinning opens many opportunities and aims to promote sporting, educational, cultural and business exchanges, resulting in increased tourism for both our cities.

"Twinning between Salisbury and Xanten will encourage a friendship between all generations within our two cities, in a united Europe.

"Furthermore, this now completes a three-way partnership that includes Saintes, in France."

I can assure Journal readers that "united Europe" refers purely to a non-fragmented situation and in no way indicates support for the present European Union.

Our 16-year-old twinning with Saintes has been beneficial to so many individuals and groups, with exchanges between schools, music groups and many sporting and cultural organisations.

Already, exchanges are taking place with Xanten, between schools and between the cathedral stone-masons.

There is great interest and support for this link, as so many individuals and families have either lived or worked in Germany or have some connection with it.

The three-way link between Salisbury, Saintes and Xanten adds an additional positive dimension to twinning.

As a duly elected district councillor for a city ward, which makes me a charter trustee of the city of Salisbury, and then elected by my fellow trustees to the office of mayor of New Sarum, I signed the agreement on behalf of the SalisburyXanten Twinning Association and all the individuals and groups of the city who will now benefit from this link.

I shall be visiting Xanten on May 26-28 (at my own expense) to participate in their ceremony.

The Local Government International Bureau fully recognises and supports these types of twinning arrangements.

PATRICK PAISEY, Mayor of the City of New Sarum, The Mayor's Parlour, The Guildhall, Salisbury