Rethymno and Naples Set to Strengthen Ties with New Cooperation Agreement

Rethymno Mayor George Marinakis, Naples City Councilor Gennaro Demetrio Paipals, Rethymno Hotel Association President Manolis Tsakalakis. Photo source: Rethymno Municipality

The Municipalities of Rethymno, Crete, and Naples, Italy, will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to enhance bilateral relations between the two cities.

According to Cretan local authorities, Rethymno Mayor George Marinakis accepted the cooperation proposal initiated by Napolitano Mayor Gaetano Manfredi.

The proposal’s details were discussed in a joint meeting between Marinakis and Naples city councilor Gennaro Demetrio Paipals, during the latter’s recent visit to the island.

The cities share common elements in tradition, culture, tourism, and daily life, including sustainable mobility programs implemented in both Rethymno and Naples, as officials noted.

Photo source: Rethymno Municipality

Therefore, local governments are strengthening the interconnection between the two societies through various synergies and the exchange of know-how.

“Many sectors connect Rethymno with Naples, and for this reason, we aim to develop stronger relationships, ties, and exchanges,” the mayor remarked.

“With these thoughts in mind, I gladly welcomed the representative from the Municipality of Naples and accepted the invitation from my esteemed colleague in the historic Italian city.”

It’s worth noting that the Universities of Crete and Naples have collaborated in the past. In May 2025, a delegation from Rethymno will make its first official visit to the Italian city, featuring an event where Professor of Archaeology Nikos Stampolidis will be the keynote speaker.