KATHMANDU, MARCH 12
Sister city ties have been officially established between Lalitpur and Ulan-Ude, Russia.
At a formal ceremony in Ulan-Ude, Lalitpur Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Ulan-Ude Mayor Igor Shutenkov signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership between the two cities.
Mayor Maharjan emphasized that this alliance would foster stronger ties between the citizens of both nations. "This partnership has unlocked numerous possibilities, as it will facilitate direct people-to-people connections based on mutual needs and understanding," he remarked. He further expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through regular exchanges and joint initiatives.
Highlighting Nepal's historical and spiritual significance as the land of Buddha, Mayor Maharjan extended an invitation to Mayor Shutenkov to visit Nepal.
In response, Mayor Shutenkov acknowledged that this sister city agreement introduced a new dimension to Nepal-Russia relations and pledged to actively work towards the development of both cities.
The MoU outlines cooperation in various sectors, including road construction and upgrades, public transport management, tourism, education, healthcare, historical heritage preservation, the establishment of galleries and museums, and research in information technology.
The Nepali delegation, led by Mayor Maharjan, includes Chief Administrative Officer Rekhadas Shrestha, Industry, Tourism, and Culture Committee Coordinator and Ward No. 5 Chair Bikasman Shrestha, and International Affairs Advisor to the Metropolis, Mukunda Bista. The delegation departed for Russia on Saturday.