Russian city of Izhevsk and Chinese city of Xining get twinned

The Russian city of Izhevsk /Republic of Udmurtia in the upper reaches of the Volga/ and the Chinese city of Xining, situated in the western province of Qinghai, have twinned. An agreement to this effect was signed in Xining, where the Qinghai tulip festival opened on May 13, attended by Russian representatives. Under the treaty, both cities will "on the basis of equality and mutual benefit promote through joint efforts friendly contacts and commercial and economic ties". The sides also propose to "actively develop exchanges and cooperation between the two cities in science, technology, culture, sport, public health and tourism."