Honolulu and Nagaoka, Japan, now have a closer relationship.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and Nagaoka Mayor Tamio Mori signed a sister-city agreement between the two communities Friday.

Carlisle says he’s proud to have finalized the relationship with Nagaoka because it’s a wonderful way to encourage cultural exchanges and promote international peace and understanding.

The Honolulu Mayor visited Nagaoka last year during the annual Grand Fireworks Festival. The festival began after World World II ended, and serves as a memorial and symbolize a desire for world peace.

Mori encouraged peace-oriented talks with Honolulu in recognition of the cities’ wartime experiences.