Armenia officially launches "Meghri: CIS Cultural Capital 2026"  Program

ArmInfo. On April 16, the official launch of the "Meghri - Cultural Capital of the CIS" program took place, including a symbolic tree planting ceremony in  the area near the kindergarten in Meghri, as stated by the Ministry  of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of  Armenia.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan, Head of  the Meghri Community Khachatur Andreasyan, Executive Director of the  Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Countries  Anatoly Iksanov, as well as representatives from CIS delegations who  had arrived in Meghri to participate in the opening ceremony of the  "CIS Capital of Culture 2026" program. A tree planting took place in  the courtyard of a renovated kindergarten in Meghri as part of the  government's "500 Kindergartens" program.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the planned events will be  accompanied by visits to historical and cultural sites. "Our goal is  to rediscover Meghri for tourists. It turns out we don't know Meghri  very well ourselves, but there's so much to see, discover, and  introduce here," Daniel Danielyan noted, adding that the main areas  of interest to visitors have already been identified.

He also emphasized the hospitality and warmth of the local residents,  noting that this is an important factor in the development of  tourism. He pointed out that if Meghri is properly presented, an  increase in tourist flow can be expected, which will also lead to  infrastructure development.

According to Meghri Mayor Khachatur Andreasyan, everything possible  is being done to ensure the city remains well-maintained and  beautiful, attracting tourists. "We understand that after these  events, Meghri will become more recognizable not only in the CIS but  also in other countries. People will recognize Meghri, and tourists  will come here more often. We will do everything to ensure that every  tourist in Meghri feels comfortable and, upon returning from their  home country, also recommends Meghri to others," the mayor noted.

Following the tree planting, representatives of the high-ranking CIS  delegation, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science,  Culture and Sports and Meghri Mayor Khachatur Andreasyan, visited  Meghri's historical and cultural landmarks.

The program includes several cultural events: an ART Expo exhibition,  where member states will present their national cultures, a gala  concert by the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia, a nightclub featuring  renowned Armenian DJs, and visits to Meghri's historical and cultural  institutions. The program has been operating under the auspices of  the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of  CIS Member  States since 2011. Meghri is the third Armenian city to be awarded  this honorary status: Gyumri was recognized as the CIS Capital of  Culture in 2013, and Goris in 2018.