Nizhny Novgorod and Novi Sad signed a roadmap for cooperation until 2027.

      On March 31, 2026, at 11:40, Society The roadmap for cooperation for 2026-2027 between the sister cities of Nizhny Novgorod and Novi Sad was signed during a meeting between the mayors Yuri Shalabaev and Zarko Michin. The document was approved during the visit of the Nizhny Novgorod delegation to the Serbian city, timed to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations.

      The meeting also included the President of the Government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Maja Gojkovic, who, in 2006, as the mayor of Novi Sad, signed the sister city agreement between the cities.

      As noted by Nizhny Novgorod Mayor Yuri Shalabaev, over the years, cooperation between the cities has reached a new level. The parties have implemented joint projects in the economy, education, culture, sports, and tourism. Nizhny Novgorod enterprises regularly participated in the International Agro-Industrial Exhibition in Novi Sad, and young athletes—swimmers, volleyball players, and footballers—have repeatedly competed in tournaments in both cities.

      In addition, educational exchanges have actively developed: they involved Nizhny Novgorod Gymnasiums No. 2 and No. 13, as well as the "Isidora Sekulic" and "Laza Kostic" gymnasiums in Novi Sad. Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky implemented a number of joint projects with Serbian educational institutions, including summer schools for Russian and Serbian languages. Cultural projects were also carried out in collaboration with the Serbian National Theatre.

      Shalabaev emphasized that the foundation of sustainable relations between the cities is shared values, historical closeness, and spiritual kinship between the peoples of Russia and Serbia.

      He specifically noted the prospects for developing cooperation in the field of tourism. According to him, a direct air connection between Nizhny Novgorod and Belgrade is planned to be launched soon, from where it is easy to reach Novi Sad. The city head also invited the residents of the sister city to visit Nizhny Novgorod and announced plans to work on organizing pilgrimage tours for Serbian tourists interested in the Orthodox shrines of the region.

      The Mayor of Novi Sad, Zarko Michin, in turn, emphasized the historical closeness of Russia and Serbia. "Serbian-Russian relations go far beyond diplomacy—this is a brotherhood that has withstood the test of the most difficult wartime," he noted, adding that cooperation between Nizhny Novgorod and Novi Sad is a modern confirmation of this connection.

      The work of the Nizhny Novgorod delegation in Novi Sad will continue. The program includes meetings with the leadership of the University of Novi Sad, representatives of the business circles of the city and Vojvodina, as well as a visit to the football academy. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+