The present agreement lays the foundation for long-term friendly relations between the cities of Tartu and Pskov. Tartu and Pskov are cities with centuries-old history, rich cultural heritage and traditions. The last few years have demonstrated the attempts of both sides to develop mutual cooperation in order to implement joint projects in the fields of economy, trade, culture, education, youth exchange, etc.

The objective of mutual cooperation is to strengthen mutual trust and respect between the citizens of both cities, to prepare cooperation projects, as well as to exchange experience and information concerning different areas of city life.

In view of the aforementioned considerations and striving to develop the mutual relationships of the cities the governments of the cities of Tartu and Pskov have agreed in the following:

1. The cities of Tartu and Pskov express their will to develop mutual relationships, respect and friendship between the citizens of Tartu and Pskov.

2. The cities of Tartu and Pskov will participate in the preparation and implementation of cooperation projects in the fields of economy, environmental protection, social and cultural affairs.

3. Both cities will facilitate mutual exchange of professional experience of their employees in the fields of communal economy, education, health protection, culture and services, as well as the development of personal contacts between the citizens of the two cities.

4. The cities of Tartu and Pskov will foster the establisment and development of contacts between enterprises, non-governmental organisations, educational institutions, medical institutions, libraries, theatres, artistic communities and sports groups.

5. The cities of Tartu and Pskov will regularly exchange information on the development of the cities and highlight events conducted in the cities, as well as reflect the cooperation between the cities in the media.

6. The specific events directed at the development and strengthening of the relationships between the two cities are recorded in cooperation plans, with prior coordination and approval of the governments of the cities.

7. The present agreement is concluded for two years and shall be extended upon mutual agreement. The agreement shall enter into force upon signature by the Mayors of both cities.

Concluded on May 17, 2000 in two copies, in Estonian and Russian.

On behalf of the City of Tartu
Andrus Ansip
Mayor

On behalf of the City of Pskov
Mikhail Khoronen
Mayor

Annex

to the Agreement on Cooperation and Development of Friendly Relations Between the City of Pskov (Russian Federation) and the City of Tartu (Republic of Estonia)

Cooperation plan for 2000-2001

Economy, business and environmental protection

1. Exchange of information in the field of economy, business and environmental protection with the purpose of supporting the implementation of cooperation projects.

2. Participation in the events connected with the reopening of navigation between the two cities.

3. Involvement of the enterprises of the cities of Tartu and Pskov in fairs, exhibitions and other mutually beneficial events.

Culture, education, youth exchange, sports, tourism

1. Participation of the youth groups of both cities in the youth festivals in Pskov (June 2000) and Tartu (July 2000).

2. Organisation of joint events for children and youth (intellectually creative games, performances of music groups, youth camps).

3. Organisation of different levels of sports events for Estonian and Russian sportsmen with rounds held both in the Pskov Region and the Republic of Estonia.

4. Mutual cooperation in the Hanseatic movement and participation in Hanseatic events held by the cities of Pskov and Tartu.

5. Development of cooperation in tourism and the establishment of contacts between various tourism organisations and companies.