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As is often the case with friendships, London and Berlin have a lot in common.
There are numerous close cultural and economic ties between our two great cities and we are both committed to the progressive European values of diversity, democracy and openness.
The transition phase of the UK's withdrawal from the EU ends this month.
I am convinced that the cooperation between our two cities has never been more important in order to stand up for our values together and to master global challenges together.
London and Berlin were created for close cooperation with each other: Both are part of a small group of European metropolises with a truly global presence;
both attract and bring together people, companies and cultures from around the world;
The citizens of both cities feel at home in their cities - regardless of religion or ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, nationality or personal history.
London and Berlin: European cultural centers
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Thanks to this diversity, London and Berlin have developed into important cultural centers, especially for art and the creative industries, over the course of many decades.
I would like to highlight the fashion, advertising and music scene in particular.
It is precisely this creative energy that has contributed to London and Berlin becoming important locations for innovation and business start-ups.
From fintech companies to artificial intelligence and modern health technologies or smart city concepts: We are currently developing some of the most exciting and groundbreaking technology companies in Europe.
Current studies show that London and Berlin occupy the two top positions in Europe for the creation of so-called unicorns and for investment sums in the tech industry.
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Since our cities have common strengths in so many areas, we want to work even more closely together and exchange knowledge and ideas in the future.
Today's announcement of the extension of the partnership agreement between the business development agencies of both cities is just one example of how London and Berlin will expand their economic ties beyond Brexit.
These are the conflict issues in the Brexit dispute
Despite a conversation lasting several hours between Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen, no compromise has yet been reached in the Brexit dispute.
Angela Merkel had already clearly positioned herself on the conflict in the run-up to the EU summit.
Source: WELT / Perdita Heise
As Mayor of London, I campaigned for Great Britain to remain in the European Union.
As a Democrat, I of course accept the decision of the British voters, the majority of whom voted for the exit, so that our country has now left the European Union.
Regardless of the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the City of London is determined to continue to cooperate closely with European cities so that companies can continue to develop their business opportunities across markets and borders.
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There are currently more than a million people from all over Europe living in London.
They make a significant contribution to the growth and prosperity of our city and are therefore an important part of its success story.
Building walls doesn't solve any problems
It is my concern to ensure that we continue to welcome people from all over Europe and the rest of the world to London with open arms.
My message to those citizens of Europe who would like to study, work and live in our city is very simple: you are always welcome in London!
Our two metropolises are facing global challenges, the climate crisis and Covid-19 are current examples.
In order to master this, we need the will to cooperate, trust and open-mindedness.
Building walls or a policy of national isolation does not solve any problems in our modern and complex world.
London's Mayor Sadiq Khan (left) met with Michael Müller in 2018 to discuss cooperation in the face of Brexit
Source: Getty Images / Michele Tantussi
When it comes to the environment, both London and Berlin have committed to becoming climate neutral.
As part of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, both cities work together with other major cities around the world, for example on combating air pollution and expanding the use of clean energies.
Of course, mayors cannot cope with the climate crisis on their own.
However, we represent two of the leading European capitals in the fields of technology and innovation, which gives our political decision-makers considerable room for maneuver to develop solutions together with companies, start-ups, science and research that make our cities more environmentally sustainable and efficient.
Lessons from Corona
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown what can be achieved in the fight against a global challenge if everyone pulls together.
Unsurprisingly, researchers and companies from the UK and Germany are at the center of global efforts to develop an effective coronavirus vaccine.
The pandemic crisis gives us the opportunity to think about what the future of our cities should look like.
We can use the new economic and social start as an opportunity to create a better future for all of us.
A future that is fairer, more environmentally friendly and more equal than before.
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The Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Müller and I jointly make the promise that London and Berlin will further strengthen their business relations after the completion of Brexit and intensify their cooperation in the fight against global challenges.
I am confident that the cooperation of these great cities can make an important contribution to building a more resilient, sustainable and successful future for people across Europe.
Source: Aleksandra Szmigiel
Sadiq Khan is a British Labor Party leader and mayor of London since 2016