On April 16, 2026, the official opening ceremony of the Programme “CIS Cultural Capital – 2026” took place in the Armenian city of Meghri. The event was attended by representatives of Armenian state bodies, as well as delegations from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Representing the CIS Executive Committee at the ceremony was Deputy Director of the Department for Cooperation in Political, Humanitarian and Social Spheres Shamsiddin Koziev. He conveyed greetings from CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev to the organizers and participants of the official opening ceremony of the Interstate Program “Meghri – Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth 2026”.
In his message, the CIS Secretary-General noted that the “CIS Cultural Capitals” Programme rightfully holds a place of honor in the calendar of landmark projects, as its implementation contributes to strengthening intercultural communication and revealing the richness of the traditions of our peoples. The Armenian cities of Gyumri and Goris have been CIS Cultural Capitals in various years.
Sergey Lebedev drew attention to the symbolic nature of Meghri hosting the participants of the International Exhibition of the CIS Member States “ART EXPO” this year. Armenia initiated this project, which is being implemented by decision of the CIS Heads of Government Council and is aimed at strengthening cultural ties within the Commonwealth. The first International Exhibition “ART EXPO” was held in the Armenian city of Goris in 2018, serving as a launching pad for regular creative meetings.
Read more about the CIS Cultural Capital – 2026, Meghri, via the link (in Russian).