Gyumri officially declared CIS cultural capital (photos)

Armenia’s second largest city, Gyumri, has been officially declared the cultural capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

A festive concert devoted to the occasion was held in the city’s Vardanants Square on Sunday, bringing together different government officials, including Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan, the chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Toktasyn Buzubaev and the CEO of the CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund, Armen Smbatyan, reports the Government's press service.

The event also attracted a large number of residents of Gyumri and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions.

Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanyan was handed an official certificate declaring the city a cultural capital. It is planned to organize 45 festive events as part of the festive program. The celebrations will last until November 2.