Igor Shutenkov, Mayor of Ulan-Ude City, visits Lalitpur

By A Staff Reporter,Lalitpur: may .1 : Igor Shutenkov, Mayor of Ulan-Ude city in Russia, has arrived in Lalitpur after the two cities established sister city relations.

He was welcomed on Tuesday by Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya. 

Mayor Maharjan recalled his visit to Ulan-Ude about one-and-a-half months ago to initiate the process of establishing sisterly ties. He expressed that the two cities could share many good practices.

The official sister city agreement between Lalitpur and Ulan-Ude was established in March 2025.

Mayor Maharjan described the relationship as a significant achievement and emphasised its historic importance for the prosperity and progress of the people in both cities.

He said that Mayor Shutenkov’s visit was particularly meaningful, as it coincided with the world-famous Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra. He encouraged Mayor Shutenkov to visit Nepal again in the future.

Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nepal and Russia. She mentioned that Russian scholars have been visiting Nepal for research, and Nepali students have been studying in Russia for many years.

Highlighting historical ties between Russia and Nepal, Mayor Shutenkov stated that the sister city relationship between Ulan-Ude and Lalitpur would further strengthen bilateral relations.

He emphasised the potential for a student exchange programme and collaboration in various sectors, including medicine, education, and agricultural science. He also pledged to promote the exchange of best practices between the two cities. 

Impressed by the cultural heritage of Lalitpur, Mayor Shutenkov praised its historic temples. “The temples here are masterpieces and the city is very beautiful,” he said. “This friendship will be meaningful for the future.”