Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin and the head of the Republic of Karelia, Artur Parfenchikov, signed an agreement on trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation between the two regions for the next five years.
"Five years ago, we signed an interregional cooperation agreement with Karelia. Much has happened in those five years, and economic and social ties between our regions have significantly strengthened. More than 800 Karelian enterprises have signed contracts to fulfill government contracts in Moscow," noted Sergei Sobyanin.
According to him, Karelian products are regularly featured at Moscow fairs and stores. The flow of tourists between Moscow and the Republic of Karelia is steadily growing.
"Today we are signing a new agreement that will strengthen our cooperation in transport, industry, education, healthcare, and a number of other areas," added Sergei Sobyanin.
The Moscow Mayor also thanked Artur Parfenchikov for their fruitful collaboration and expressed hope that the new agreement, in keeping with the established tradition, will strengthen contacts between the regions for the benefit of Muscovites and residents of the Republic of Karelia.
Artur Parfenchikov, in turn, thanked Sergei Sobyanin and noted that much has been accomplished within the framework of the cooperation program over the past five years.
"Of course, Moscow is a huge market for us; it represents modern technologies for managing the city and the national economy. This, of course, represents significant experience. And I can simply cite a few examples of our five-year cooperation. Firstly, we are very pleased that Moscow is now actively adorned with Karelian stone. Sergei Semenovich and I signed a major interregional offset contract between Moscow and Karelia for the extraction and supply of Karelian crushed stone and Karelian building stone, and, of course, this is very important to us," noted Artur Parfenchikov.
Furthermore, in recent years, Moscow has purchased several thousand Karelian-made outdoor exercise machines. They have been installed in the capital's parks and embankments. The equipment has already received positive reviews from Muscovites.
Moreover, Moscow residents frequently visit Karelia for tourism and are among the main participants in the "Arctic Hectare" program, which allows Russians to obtain a free plot of land of up to one hectare upon meeting certain conditions. Thus, Karelia has become not only a vacation spot for Muscovites, but also a second residence and a business location.
"Therefore, I am confident that our new agreement will truly serve the interests of Moscow, the Republic of Karelia, and our entire vast country," emphasized Artur Parfenchikov.
The head of the republic reported that Moscow architects are helping to decorate the embankments of Petrozavodsk, which are the main landmark of the republic's capital, and also expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between Moscow and Karelia.
Strengthening cooperation
The document envisages the development of the provisions of the previous agreement signed in 2014, and provides for the development and strengthening of ties in the fields of transport, information and communications technology, industry, the agro-industrial complex, trade and services, architecture and construction, housing and utilities, the improvement of urban areas and public spaces, healthcare and education, science and culture, tourism and sports, environmental protection, family and youth policy, social protection and employment promotion, cooperation with socially oriented non-profit organizations, and others.
Karelia is a reliable trade and economic partner of Moscow.
"Karelia is our long-standing, reliable partner. We supply the republic with automobiles, fuel oil, finished ferrous metals, medical equipment, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food," added Sergei Sobyanin in his MAX messenger channel.
Source: Moscow Mayor's channelMAX messenger
In turn, Karelia supplies the capital with food products—fish and canned fish, meat delicacies, vegetable oil, liquor, soft drinks, mineral and carbonated water, milk—as well as construction materials, furniture, and lumber.
Karelian enterprises are actively participating in the implementation of Moscow state procurement. From 2021 to 2025, 879 contracts worth over four billion rubles were signed, approximately 47 percent of which—411 contracts worth a total of 53.5 million rubles—were for small-volume purchases.
Karelian producers of fish products, honey, confectionery, clothing, and souvenirs participate in the Moscow Seasons festival series. Each year, companies are awarded spots at interregional fairs in the capital.
"Connections in education, culture, sports, and healthcare play a major role. Over the past five years, approximately two thousand residents of Karelia have been treated in Moscow city hospitals," Sergei Sobyanin noted on his MAX messenger channel.
Teachers and students from the two regions participate in joint conferences, roundtables, webinars, and other educational events.
In May 2021, the Days of the Republic of Karelia were held in Moscow. Every year, the VDNKh hosts the "Sampo Mill" festival of the peoples of the Republic of Karelia, where guests can learn about the region's history, traditions, and culture. Athletes from Karelia regularly participate in competitions held in Moscow, while athletes from Moscow participate in tournaments throughout the republic.
Karelia's tourism potential is showcased on the Russpass digital platform, created at the initiative of the Moscow Government. In October 2025, a themed train, "Karelia—A Place Where Strength Returns," was launched on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya metro line.
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