Rostov-on-Don and Yerevan: 20 Years of Sister City Relations Enter a New Phase of Economic Cooperation
The official delegation of Rostov-on-Don, led by Mayor Aleksandr Skryabin, is concluding its three-day visit to Yerevan, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between the two cities. The delegation met with the staff led by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan on November 20 to strengthen cultural ties and outline economic directions for cooperation.
Mayor Skryabin, in an exclusive interview with AmNews, summarized the achievements of the two decades: “Our visit is official, and it coincides with the exact 20th anniversary of Rostov-on-Don and Yerevan becoming sister cities. There is no shame in looking back at the last 20 years.” He mentioned the active exchanges in sports, culture, and especially in education, which include reciprocal visits by lecturers and students.
It was noted that the parties initiated a significant practical step by making the core of the discussions the renewal of the three-year cooperation program, which will cover the years 2026-2028. The Mayor stated: “What is happening now has actually crossed into the realm where it is time to implement our cities’ economic ties more profoundly.” He emphasized that the trustworthy relations established between the authorities are sufficient for businesses to build long-term economic connections.
On November 21, the Rostov delegation paid tribute by laying flowers at the memorial complex dedicated to the Cossack forces located in the Kanaker-Zeytun administrative district of Yerevan (watch here). Key parts of the program also included visits to the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute and Memorial, and Victory Park. Practical cooperation was also manifested in a visit to School No. 55 named after Anton Chekhov, where educational supplies and an interactive whiteboard were handed over on behalf of the Governor.
Following discussions on the general environmental challenge, Mayor Aleksandr Skryabin and Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan jointly planted trees in the “Tork Angegh” park in Nor Nork.
The delegation’s composition included: Vitaly Viktorovich Zolotukhin (Deputy Head of the Rostov-on-Don City Administration for Economic Affairs), Zurab Malkhazovich Kidaze (Head of the Proletarsky District Administration of Rostov-on-Don), Andrey Vasilyevich Kosenko (Head of the Zheleznodorozhny District Administration of Rostov-on-Don), Sergey Sergeyevich Kovalenko (1st Assistant to the Head of Rostov-on-Don), Evgeny Vladislavovich Govorovsky (Acting Head of the Department of External Relations and Inter-municipal Cooperation of the Rostov-on-Don City Administration), Gevorg Grigoryan (Deputy of the Rostov-on-Don City Duma), Harutyun Surmalyan (President of the Armenian Community of Rostov-on-Don).
Mr. Skryabin specifically highlighted the Armenian contribution to the history of Rostov-on-Don, mentioning the undeniable economic and cultural contribution of Nor Nakhichevan. “Thus, the relations between the two cities, which have deep historical roots, are also being strengthened with new economic goals,” concluded Mayor Skryabin.