Kazan and Grozny became sister cities

An agreement on cooperation between the capitals of Tatarstan and the Chechen Republic was signed as part of the Eurasian cities Forum which opened today in Kazan.

At the IV meeting of the General Assembly of the Eurasian section of the World Organization “United Cities and Local Governments” (UCLG), a video presentation of the history of the city of Grozny since its foundation in the beginning of the XIX century to the present day took place. The modern capital of Chechnya which survived two military campaigns is compared with the legendary phoenix reborn from the ashes at the presentation.

The Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin noted that there had been many tragic pages in Russian history which we would like to forget. “What we see today in Grozny is peace, creation, new families, and birth of children. The Chechen people have returned to their native city, and this fact makes us happy. I wish you further success in reviving Grozny” - Ilsur Metshin said to the Mayor of Grozny Muslim Khuchiev.

The Mayor of Grozny named Kazan one of the fastest growing cities in the world. “I think it is the result of work of Mayor Ilsur Metshin and his team, and undoubtedly support of regional authorities plays an important role as well”, - added Muslim Khuchiev.

Ilsur Metshin explained that cooperation between the cities will be based on the exchange of experiences in various fields and sectors, including business, culture and sports, and noted the importance of such agreements. “In the Soviet Union municipalities had close connections. Today, the only place where mayors can meet and discuss issues of urban management, cultural heritage preservation and development of economy of cities is UCLG”, - said the Mayor of Kazan.

Eurasian Forum brought together mayors of cities and heads of regions of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, as well as representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO and other international organizations.

09.07.2012

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