Twin-city relations between the cities is a long-term relationship between communities in the two countries

Twin-city relations are unique because they involve three main sectors:

  • the local government;
  • business structures;
  • the general public (non-profit organizations, individuals, volunteers, etc.).

Twinning partnerships can perform a wide range of activities under any international program, including various types of municipal, business, professional, educational or cultural exchange or project.

Friendly neighborly relations established between Murmansk and its sister cities allow performing joint economic projects, establishing business and professional contacts. But most often collaboration is carried out in educational, cultural, social or sports fields.

The capital of the Kola Arctic actively collaborates with sister cities from around the world. Twin relations were established and developed as a sign of mutual sympathy of city residents, as a symbol of their common maritime destiny, as an example of the relationship between people connected with historical memory, respecting the traditions and culture of each other.

Mutual interests in the arts, education, health care help hundreds of people in our cities – students, schoolchildren, doctors, artists – not just to meet, share experiences, but also to find friends, colleagues and associates.

Twin cities

luleo Lulea (Sweden)

On March 26, 1972 was signed an agreement on establishing friendly relations between the city of Murmansk (USSR) and the city of Lulea (Sweden). The parties agree to promote contacts between non-governmental organizations, studying of life, culture, technology, education, health and activity of the city government.

tromse Tromso (Norway)

July 10, 1972 the Norwegian city of Tromso became the twin-city of Murmansk. An agreement on establishing friendly relations between the city of Murmansk (USSR) and the city of Tromso (Norway) was signed. Health care, education, culture, technical cooperation, as well as acquaintance with the traditions and way of life were selected as the main areas of cooperation.

vadse

Vadsø (Norway)

On the International Day of United Cities, April 30, 1973 the Treaty on the establishment of friendly relations between the city of Murmansk (USSR) and the city of Vadsø (Norway) was signed. The document deemed necessary to promote the understanding, development of contacts between non-governmental organizations, studying  of life, culture, technology, education, health and activity of the city government.

jacksonville Jacksonville (USA)

July 14, 1975 an agreement on establishing friendly relations between the city of Murmansk (USSR) and the city of Jacksonville (USA) was signed/ The document deemed necessary to promote the development of contacts between the public and organizations, cultural, sports, educational interaction, cooperation between governments.

rovaniemi Rovaniemi (Finland)

In 1965, friendly relations between Murmansk and the city of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland were establish, which was confirmed on April 23, 1983 by signing of the Treaty on the establishment of friendly relations. The document deemed necessary to promote the understanding, development of contacts between non-governmental organizations, the studying of life, culture, technology, education, health care and activity of the city government.

groningen Groningen (The Netherlands)

Agreement on friendship ties between the twin cities of Murmansk (USSR) and Groningen (The Netherlands) was signed June 20, 1989. The parties agreed to promote contacts between civil society organizations and city agencies in order to exchange ideas and experiences in the field of public administration and economic development; in collaborative research and education; exchange between organizations in the fields of culture, sports, religion, journalism.

schetsin Szczecin (Poland)

April 8, 1993 an agreement on the establishment of friendly relations between the ancient Polish city of Szczecin and Murmansk was signed. Key areas of cooperation stated in the document: marine sector, ecology, exhibition activities, sports, tourism, culture, and the interaction between higher education institutions and the exchange of experience in the scientific organization of labor.

akureiri Akureyri (Iceland)

October 14, 1994 an agreement on sister city relationships Akureyri, Iceland – Murmansk, Russia was signed. The document stated the establishment of relations in the field of culture and economy.

alania Alanya (Turkey)

February 17, 2014 during the visit of the delegation of the administration of the city of Murmansk to Alanya (Turkey) an agreement on the establishment of friendly relations between the cities was signed. The purpose of this agreement is to establish a reliable bridge between the cities in terms of cooperation and joint activities. Priorities in the relationship of Murmansk and Alanya are: the development of investment activities, tourism, recreational activities, and exchange of experience in various fields, the enhancement of cultural, technical and economic cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the health improvement of Murmansk citizens – especially children and adolescents. Alanya is able to provide all the conditions for the organization of training camps for Murmansk athletes.

minsk Minsk (Belarus)

August 21, 2014 during the visit of the delegation of representatives of the city authorities of Minsk to Murmansk an agreement on the establishment of friendly relations between the cities was signed.

Харбин Harbin (PRC)

September 9, 2016 on the conference "International cooperation. History. Calls. Opportunities" during the festival "Gulf stream" signed an Agreement on twinning between the cities of Murmansk and Harbin (China). Promising spheres of cooperation: education, health, tourism and culture.

The capital of the region are also actively cooperates with many other cities of the world, including Hammerfest, Viola, Varde, Kirkenes (Norway), Minsk, Gomel (Belarus), Cuxhaven (Germany), Douarnenez (France).

International cooperation portal of Murmansk: https://international.murman.ru/