The 20th Anniversary of the Berlin-Moscow City Partnership

In 2011, Moscow and Berlin will mark the 20th anniversary of their city partnership. Among the highlights of the celebrations will be an extensive cultural program and a series of events focusing on the theme of “Administration and Business.” Today, the two capital cities continue to be linked by a strong friendship and other close ties on a number of different levels.

Moscow is the heart of Russia. It is a city that is at once both old and forever young. It is also a city with many stories to tell. With up to 80 percent of the country’s financial potential concentrated in the city, Moscow holds a key position in the Russian economy as well. Moscow also has an exceptionally rich cultural life. The city is home to more than 70 museums, a large number of galleries, 60 theaters, over 20 concert halls, more than 100 cinemas and a burgeoning creative scene. Berlin, too, is well-known beyond the borders of Europe for its urban flair and lively cultural environment. It is a city that continues to set worldwide trends. Major exhibitions such as the “art forum berlin” combine with the city’s over 400 galleries and 170 museums to form a testament to this standing. With roughly 150 theaters, three state opera houses and the renowned Berlin Philharmonic, the German capital offers a very diverse spectrum in the field of classical music and theater as well. In addition to their versatile cultural offerings, both cities are also known as innovative locations for modern technologies and economic growth.

In view of these close connections, it comes as no surprise that so many cooperative projects have emerged on the administrative, business and cultural levels.

Cooperation between the two cities is especially close in the field of technology. For example, they enjoy a very lively exchange in the fields of traffic management, life sciences, optical technologies and the renovation of pre-fab buildings.

Since announcing their intention to form a city partnership in November 1990, and after signing an official “Friendship and Cooperation Agreement” in August 28, 1991, many other joint Berlin-Moscow accords, protocols and program statements have been adopted. Thanks to the Berlin-Moscow Joint Committee, a number of activities were planned and successfully carried out. Today, in addition to several school partnerships, Berlin and Moscow are also connected in the field of sports. Berlin and Moscow-based athletic teams visit each other regularly at international tournaments.

The highlights of the city partnership to date were the Moscow Days in Berlin in 2003 and the Berlin Days in Moscow in 2004. Both events took place in the context of the so-called “German-Russian Cultural Encounters” and showcased the diversity of cultural life in both cities. Cultural projects and a number of bilateral events covering the themes of business and urban development also provided insights into the close cooperation and cultural ties between Moscow and Berlin.

We look forward to this year’s exciting and wide-ranging anniversary celebrations, all of which will no doubt reflect the close and enduring partnership between Berlin and Moscow.