Aberdeen City Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Brazilian municipality of Macaé.

The three year MoU will see both cities benefit from a strategic partnership in the energy sector.

The MoU was signed on behalf of Aberdeen City Council by Councillor John Reynolds, the authority's economic development spokesman in a ceremony in the Town House and simultaneously, in a similar ceremony in Brazil with the Mayor Aluizio dos Santos Junior signing on behalf of Macaé. The document recognises the importance of expanding cooperation and enhancing economic growth in the energy sector.

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Macaé is the centre of the offshore oil industry in Brazil and, like its Scottish counterpart, is considered an oil capital being referred to as "Cidade do Petróleo" ("City of Petroleum").

Councillor Reynolds said: "I am delighted to sign this important Memorandum of Understanding with Macaé on behalf of the city of Aberdeen.

"This a strategic partnership that further enhances our city’s reputation as a global energy hub and attract further investment, productivity and innovation, particularly around renewable energies where we are recognised as a pioneering region.

"Aberdeen also currently holds the Presidency of the World Energies Cities Partnership through the Lord Provost and so we will also be supporting Macaé through the rigorous process of joining the Partnership as well as generating business, jobs and growth for both our cities."