The holding of "March theatrical marathon" is planned in Pazardjik Youth House. During the event, visitors will be presented with three one-man shows, "Ugly" by John Leguizamo, "Stories from the barrel" by Dimitr Stefanov, "Woman is a strange animal" by Jan Ognyanov. There will also be a presentation of the book of the Bulgarian writer Georgi Toshev, dedicated to the life and work of one of the most famous theater actresses of the Republic of Bulgaria - Katya Paskaleva.

Recreational activities in Beziers

On March 12, 2016, an entertaining event "Day Game", will be organized by the association «Stratèges Cathares» in Béziers Associations House. During the program residents and guests of the sister city will learn about different types of multiplayer games: board, role-playing, card, etc. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in the games under the supervision of professional animators.

Ecological measures in the sister city Des Moines

From 4th to 18th of March, Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department implements the planned controlled burns within the city park areas. The purpose of these actions is to decrease the fire risk by reducing the number of forest combustible materials and cleansing of forest areas of dead-wood, as well as the creation of favorable conditions for regeneration of forest, the eradication of infection centers and destructive insects. Works are performed by experienced professionals who have undergone special training.

First collection of oral archives completed in Zhenjiang

The Zhenjiang Municipal Archives has finished collecting oral archives about the building of the No.3 National Automobile Factory in Zhenjiang early in 1970s. They had made an overall plan on Zhenjiang’s oral archives collection which will focus on prominent figures who once have contributed to the economic and social development, the witnesses of major local historic events and ordinary people of Zhenjiang.

One card for public transport

Jiangsu province recently issued a public transport card that can be used in Zhenjiang and other 12 cities within the province (Xuzhou, Suqian, Lianyungang, Huai'an, Yancheng, Yangzhou, Taizhou, Nantong, , Changzhou, Wuxi, Suzhou and Nanjing. It is the first provincially accepted public transport card in China. Buses, subways, trams and cabs in the following cities all accept this new "one-card-pass" to pay the public transport fare. It is expected that green bikes for public renting in the streets are to be covered by the new system in the near future.

Celebration of the International Women's Day in Yerevan

At the initiative of Yerevan Municipality, a series of festive events dedicated to the International Women's Day was held in the sister city. On a Yerevan’s subway station a photo exhibition "Woman in the urban economy" was organized, presenting over 32 photographs, telling about the role and employment of women in different spheres of urban development from the Soviet era to the present day. In the city districts there were actions during which the women were presented flowers and cards on behalf of the mayor. In addition, in the city's Freedom Square the fair sex has been given the opportunity to see Yerevan from a balloon with a bird's-eye view.

Liu Haisu Art Museum achievements

From September to October 2015, Liu Haisu Art Museum of Changzhou city launched the exhibition series of “Brilliance of a Century - Approaching to the Art of Contemporary Masters” in cooperation with art galleries in Beijing, Shenzhen, Nanjing and Yixing. More than 160 pieces of fine paintings and calligraphy works presented to the people of Changzhou a feast of culture. Recently, it was announced that the exhibition series was awarded the 2015 national outstanding gallery exhibition. It is the first time that the museum claimed a national award, marking its approach towards top-class domestic museum in exhibition planning and research, also establishing its leading position among art museums in Jiangsu. In 2016, Liu Haisu Art Museum will hold a series of academic activities to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the birth Liu Haisu, famous painter and teacher.

On March 3, 2015 Bulgaria's liberation from the Ottoman yoke was celebrated in Pazardjik. In the church of Saints Constantine and Helena there was a prayer service for the health and welfare of citizens. Laying flowers at the monument to the heroes who participated in the liberation of Bulgaria was organized. Mayor of Pazardjik Todor Popov took part in the official ceremony of raising the national flag on the central Konstantin Velichkov square, and addressed to residents and guests of the sister-city with a welcoming speech. The program ended with the celebration concert.

Traditional spring action in Pazardjik

On March 1, 2016 volunteers of the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross in the sister city Pazardjik organized a traditional action "Martenitsa". Over 3000 Bulgarian National Gifts “martenitsa”  representing badges of white, red thread and pearls were produced by volunteers and distributed to residents and visitors.

Activities of the Archaeological service of Beziers

The Beziers has active urban archaeological service. The activities of its employees are to seek, preserve and use historical heritage objects in order to attract the tourist flow to the sister city. The first major archaeological excavations have been carried out within the boundaries of Béziers in 1985. Since then, scientists have collected a large collection of finds, including ancient amphorae, pottery, vintage gun, and many others. In 2017, the service plans to improve the quality of surveying used in archaeological activities, using drones equipped with the latest optics.

Annual sport event in sister city Des Moines

On April 16, Des Moines organizes the 29th Mayor’s Annual Ride and Run for Trails. RAGBRAI and Bike World, for many years engaged in carrying out one of the biggest bicycle races in the United States, are back as sponsors of the event. The program includes the 5k run/walk and the 22-mile ride, raffle, various refreshments, etc. Proceeds will go towards the maintenance and improvements of area trails.

Cloud technologies application in Zhenjiang education system

Recently, the Conference on Zhenjiang IT Application for Education was held in the sister city. According to the presented data, a Cloud Platform for Education has already been put into operation  in 16 Zhenjiang schools, equipped with systems for education and teaching, teachers, parents and remote education. With the help of the platform, schools will be able to achieve Smart Teaching. The education platform will be further extended to cover more schools. Hopefully schools could utilize information and big data based on the platform to enhance teaching efficiency and raise the quality of teaching faculty. By 2020 Zhenjiang plans to finish building 180 Smart Schools.

Memorable event in the sister city of Yerevan

A commemorative meeting "Eternal traveler" dedicated to the participant of the Artsakh war, famous scientist, doctor Artsakh Buniatyan was held in Yerevan. The event was attended by representatives of the City Hall, family members and numerous friends of the military doctor. The meeting presented a short film about the life of Artsakh Buniatyan, excerpts from his works, biographical data. There was also a presentation of a book of the scientist’s memoirs.

Changzhou-Shanghai Economic Cooperation development

To boost business ties with Shanghai, Changzhou Municipal People’s Government started the Changzhou-Shanghai Economic Cooperation Month 2016 by hosting the Chinese New Year Reception in Shanghai on February 25th. The event received great support from Shanghai’s industrial, business, financial, science circles. Changzhou Party Secretary and Mayor delivered speeches duirng the activity. Also, present at the reception were representatives from Denmark, Germany, Singapore and large international companies like Siemens, Standard Chartered Bank, Deloitte, etc.

In the period from the 24th to 26th of this February a workshop for making national Bulgarian souvenirs “martenitsi” will be organized in the hall of the ethnographic exposition of the Pazardjik Regional Historical Museum. Martenitsi are badges made of red and white threads, and pearls. Bulgarians traditionally pin these decorations to clothing from 1st to 22nd of March in honor of the coming spring, and also present them wishing all the best. Also a contest "The most original traditional martenitsa" will be organized. The winners will be awarded with prizes.

The exhibition in the Art Gallery of sister city

An exhibition of paintings and drawings of Stayo Garnoev - artist, illustrator of famous Bulgarian authors’ books as well as the winner of one of the city's art contests will be open on February 11, 2016 in the Art Gallery of Pazardzhik named after Stanislav Dospevski.

The security organization in the stadiums of sister-city

On February 5, 2016 in the framework of the 18th day of the professional league tournament D 2 rugby team Beziers «ASBH» will take the club of Tarbes city (department Hautes Pyrenees). The game will take place at the stadium Mediterranee. It should be noted that special security measures have been taken for visitors of the event.

The meeting Des Moines Economic Task Force

The first meeting of Des Moines Economic Task Force on development of economic cooperation between sister-cities of Des Moines and Shijiazhuang (China) was organized on January 29, 2016 in Des Moines City Hall. The issues of further cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of trade, transport, construction, environment and landscaping were discussed during the meeting.

The lantern festival in the sister-city

On the eve of Chinese New Year the VI traditional «Jiangsu-Taiwan Lantern Fair – 2016» was opened in the sister-city. Sponsored by Zhenjiang Municipal People’s Government and Jiangsu Provincial Administration of Tourism, the event will last 28 days. About 200 sets of colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes will be presented for citizens and guests of the sister-city.

Mayor of Yerevan met with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Lithuania E. Petrikas

February 2, 2016 year the Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan met with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador Lithuania in Armenia Erikas Petrikas. During the negotiation sides emphasized the importance of friendly relations between the two nations and agreed on further development of multifaceted cooperation. Also, traditional Lithuanian festival "Day of street musicians" will be held in Yerevan in the framework of 25th anniversary of the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Armenia.

Changzhou holds 2016 Job Fair for graduates

Recently Changzhou held the 2016 Job Fair for College Graduates. More than 300 companies and institutions of sister-city took part in the event. They suggested approximately 6700 job positions in the following spheres: machinery manufacturing, information technologies, marketing, architectural engineering, new energy and new materials, management, petroleum chemical and biological medicine, textile and clothing, language, literature and media.

During the period from January 28 to January 31, 2015 the annual international festival "Winter Musicales of Professor Ivan Spasov" (the outstanding conductor and the composer) is held in the city of Pazardjik. The various program of a festival always pleasantly surprises inhabitants and guests of the sister city. During the action the best works of the Bulgarian, world famous and other composers will be performed. In a final concert of a festival the Japanese pianist Ayako Fudzhika will take place. Also within a festival the exhibition of the photo "Notes in a Lens" will be held.

Presentation of the famous writer’s novel in Pazardjik

On January 29 of this year the new novel of Silvia Tomova "Pechetar" who won the first place at National competition of the short story and awarded by a prize "The book of year 2010" will be presented in the sister city. Stories of the author are translated into many foreign languages. The third novel of Silvia Tomowa "Pechetar" can also take a worthy place in modern Bulgarian literature.

Creation of the museum in the sister city

The Bezier city administration made the decision on creation of the museum devoted to the heroic head of the French Resistance movement in the years of World War II, to the artist and the native Bezier - Jean Moulen. It is planned that the museum will settle down in the apartment in which there was born and lived the French figure. Reconstruction will be made on the basis of public-private partnership within this year, with use of the new construction technologies. Now on a wall of the building in which the museum will settle down, artists already created the volume fresco recreating Jean Moulen's figure in shutters of the slightly opened window.

Considering Des Moines city budget for 2016-2017

On 28 January this year in Des Moines a public hearing to review the city budget for 2016-2017 was held, which was attended by members of the municipal Council, city administration, and the public. During the hearing, the presentation of the budget for the coming year, and also provided consultations on issues under consideration took place.

Social services for the elderly in Zhenjiang

According to the annual meeting, held in the sister city of Zhenjiang on social services, significant progress in this direction has been made in the XII five year plan. According to a report in the past year more than 35 thousand needy citizens received financial support in the amount of 146 million yuan, also increased the number of services and benefits. In 2016 it is planned to improve the conditions for insurance, improved access to socio-medical services to seniors.

Establishment of Yerevan international contacts

On 27 January this year the mayor of the sister city Taron Margaryan met with the delegation headed by the Deputy Director of the Asian Department of the French development Agency Jean-Claude Pir. During the talks there were presented the main directions of strategy of city development, cooperation programs with international organizations, as well as examples of successful joint projects. To discuss specific areas of cooperation the parties agreed to establish a working group and develop multifaceted cooperation.

Construction of technological park in Changzhou

Within implementation of the signed strategic Cooperation agreement between the National Government of China and Corporation of the aviation industry of the country the decision on creation of technological park on production of lities - ion batteries and environmentally friendly power sources is made. On January 8 of this year construction of the technological park located in zone of economic development of the city district of Jintan was started in a festive atmosphere. Development and production of these power sources is of great importance for economy, environment protection and eliminations of a smog in China. The project is investment attractive that is confirmed with the number of the companies participating in development of park. It is supposed that by the end of the XIII five-year plan the total amount of investments will exceed 20 billion yuans, sales - 50 billion yuans.

In Sofia, the capital of the Republic of Bulgaria, there was announcement of the results of the national poetry and essay contest "Mountains and songs for the mountains", dedicated to 165th anniversary of the famous Bulgarian writer Ivan Vazov. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education and Science, gathered more than 260 essays and poems of Bulgarian schools’ students. A student of Ivan Batakliev school of sister city Pazardjik took the 3rd place. The winners of the national competition were awarded at the ceremony.

Promotion of civil initiatives in Des Moines

On January 26 this year, in the sister city Des Moines a ceremony “The Renewal Awards: Celebrating America's Local Innovators” will be held. The event is organized by Atlantic Media with support from Allstate. During the ceremony, representatives of state authorities and local self-government, the media, experts in the field of urban management, etc. will speak about their vision for  the city of Des Moines and the United States in general, the issues of local entrepreneurs support, as well as individuals finding creative solutions to the country’s most pressing social and economic challenges. During this event, six innovators from across the country who are improving their communities from the ground up will be recognized and honored.

Innovations in Zhenjiang Public Transport

According to Zhenjiang Public Transport Company, 200 new-energy buses will be put into use before Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). It is the first time that the use of new-energy vehicles is extended in Zhenjiang public transport. These buses do not only use environmentally friendly fuel instead of diesel and gas, but also possess high-tech equipment. The advantages of electric buses are also in lowering noise and conserving energy. To ensure safe use, charging piles have been installed along some of the bus routes.

Opening of an art installation in Yerevan

With the support of the First Lady of Armenia Rita Sargsyan and Yerevan City Hall in the framework of the large-scale project "One wall history", the opening of an art relief "Armenian alphabet Parade" was held near the ancient manuscripts repository "Matenadaran". The cast metal letters are placed in special niches in the walls. It is planned that the new art installation will be provided once every six months, and the original exposure will be transported and shown in other cities of Armenia. All persons who assisted in the implementation of the initiative were awarded special certificates of gratitude.

Changzhou Olympic Youth Center opened

On January 17^th, Changzhou Olympic Youth Center was officially opened in the sister city. Representatives of the CPC, Jiangsu Provincial Sports Administration, and Changzhou municipality attended the ceremony. There are facilities of outdoor basketball court with lighting system, large and small football fields, gym and swimming pool. Professional coaches will provide training for schoolchildren. A variety of football or basketball tournaments for teenagers will be carried out. The Sport8 National Youth Football 4VS4 Cup and a demonstration lesson of Dutch professional footballers for Changzhou’s PE teachers have been already held in the center.

On January 14, 2016, residents and visitors of Pazardzhik celebrated 138^th  anniversary of the sister city liberation by Russian troops from the Ottoman yoke. Mayor of the Community Todor Popov has laid flowers at the monument of General N.P. Brok, commander of the vanguard of Russian troops which took part in the liberation of the city of Pazardjik, Russian Field Marshall General I.V. Gurko and other heroes of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878.

Environmental action holding

In the period from 15 to 17 January this year, the Republic of Bulgaria held a winter count of waterfowl. Pazardjik is actively participating in this annual event, which is held in Europe since 1967. During the event, Environmental Inspectorate experts of the sister city, representatives of the Bulgarian Association for the Protection of birds and non-governmental organizations concerned with the environment will investigate rivers, natural and artificial lakes.

Volunteer activities in Des Moines

On January 26 this year, with the assistance of Des Moines Park & Recreation Department, Volunteer Awards will be awarded to the most active volunteers of the city, as well as organizations involved in volunteering. Awards are granted for the successful implementation of social initiatives: improving sports infrastructure of the city, development of greenhouses, popularization of Des Moines history, expansion of corporate volunteering practices, charitable and environmental actions. This event is organized in order to increase public recognition of volunteers’ contribution to the decision of the city problems, identify and support the leaders of the social movement.

Winter swimming contest in the sister city

On January 9^th, the fifth East China Winter Swimming Contest was held in Zhenjiang. Nearly 500 contestants from Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, Anhui Province and Zhejiang Province, ranging in age from 11 to 81, gathered at Zhenjiang to challenge themselves despite very low temperature.

Chess tournament in Yerevan

From 8 to 16 January this year, the sister city hosts the 6^th chess tournament dedicated to the memory of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, the founder of the Chess Academy Andranik Margaryan. The event was attended by the President of the country, representatives of Yerevan City Hall and the Armenian Chess Federation. The tournament organized by the Academy is held in different age groups up to 18 years. All competition winners will be awarded with medals, souvenirs and will be eligible to participate in the training camp of the Chess Academy of Armenia.

Changzhou wins the China Habitat and Environment Award

It was learned from Changzhou Urban and Rural Construction Bureau that Changzhou was honored the China Habitat and Environment Award 2015. It is currently the most prestigious human settlements award in the country. Its aim is to acknowledge cities which have made outstanding contributions in six categories of living environment, ecological environment, social harmony, public safety, economic development, and resource conservation. Suqian City of Jiangsu Province and Jiyuan City of Henan Province, as well as Shanghai, have also been awarded the prize this year.