Kuldīga City and Fuji City Forges Partnership

In a landmark moment for international cooperation, Inese Astaševska, the Mayor of Kuldīga has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Fuji City, Japan. The mayor, together with the Latvian delegation for the upcoming World Athletics Championship, marked the beginning of a new era of friendship which, according to her, “transcends continents and oceans“.

She emphasized that this partnership is more than just a formal agreement. It is a “beacon for the future“. It connects Kuldīga, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic old town, with Fuji City, known worldwide for the majesty of Mount Fuji. Both cities she noted, share a deep respect for heritage and history while embracing innovation and openness for the future.

The memorandum sets out a vision of long-term collaboration grounded in shared values. The partnership will focus on three main areas:

• Future technologies and education, with a strong emphasis on digital innovation and climate neutrality.
• Arts, culture, and tourism, encouraging exchange programs among artists, students, athletes, and residents.
• Entrepreneurship, fostering closer ties between businesses and institutions to open new opportunities in both Latvia and Japan.

Mayor Astaševska expressed her confidence that this initiative would not only strengthen the municipalities themselves but also deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the Latvian and Japanese people.