"A strategic goal of Georgia is the membership in EU. Thus, the country has to cooperate with EU countries and cities to gain more experience in development of democratic relations, in making and implementing common projects. It is also important that the investment period of 2014-2020 provides a new Eastern Partnership Programme and both cities could use it in a successful way",- stated the Deputy Mayor A. Varna.

The Letter of Cooperation Intent between Panevėžys and Rustavi foresees constant effective partnership actions in the fields of economy and social life. The main attention will be given to the development of economical and social relations(especially business), exchange of experience and information in the field of management and self-governing, common projects, good cooperation ties in the fields of education, health care, environment protection, culture, sports and tourism.

Later, on the base of the Letter of Cooperation Intent, a Cooperation Agreement  is planned to be signed with a concrete action plan.

Rustavi is the third largest city in Georgia. It is located in the South -East of the country, 27 kilometres from the capital city of Tbilisi. For about 120 000 of inhabitants reside here. Similarly to Panevėžys, Rustavi is famous for a favourable geographical location (20 kilometres to the International Airport in Tbilisi, 45 kilometres to tyhe border of Armenia and 30 kilometres to Azerbaijan). Rustavi has been facing difficulties after the collapse of the Soviet Union - the largest companies went on bancruptcy. At present, the situation is getting better, the industry of metal processing, agriculture is being developed. Much attention is given to the construction of infrastructure.

The Letter of Cooperation Intent is not first point of cooperation between Panevėžys and Georgia. A Theatre Director of Ozurgeti A. Cucunava Professional Drama Theatre Vasilij Chigogidze has visited our city for several times. Cultural relations are widely developed.