The International Star-Shaped Citadel Cities Summit is held every three years with the participation of the world’s cities with star-shaped citadels. Its purpose is to explore various topics ranging from historical and cultural aspects of the citadels to the future roles of cities and citadels in achieving active development of the local community. The summit meeting also has the aim of fostering friendship among all participants and thus contributing to the long and lasting world peace.

The Fourth International Star-Shaped Citadel Cities Summit will be held in Hellevoetsluis, the Netherlands in 2006.

When the G7 Summit was held in Halifax, Canada in June 1995, the Mayor of Hakodate was invited by the Mayor of Halifax to participate in the related events. As both cities have similar star-shaped citadels, the Mayor of Hakodate then suggested the opening of the International Star-Shaped Citadel Cities Summit in Hakodate in 1997. The Mayor of Halifax agreed to co-chair this Summit for the celebration of the 15th anniversary of our city affiliation.
　Halifax City sent a fir tree to Hakodate to express an appreciation for hosting the 1st International Star-Shaped Citadel Cities Summit in Hakodate. The fir tree is now a symbol of the winter festival “Hakodate Christmas Fantasy.”