Nantes suspends 46-year sister-city ties with Tbilisi over political concerns

The French city of Nantes has suspended its long-standing sister-city agreement with Tbilisi due to growing concerns over the political situation in Georgia.

The Nantes city administration confirmed that the partnership, established nearly half a century ago in 1979, has been put on hold until "the necessary conditions for resuming cooperation are met", Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

Municipal authorities in Nantes expressed regret over the recent dismissals of staff in Tbilisi City Hall’s Department of International Relations, many of whom had collaborated closely with Nantes for years.  

The French side believes the dismissals were politically motivated, as most of the affected employees supported Georgia's integration with the European Union.

Despite suspending the official agreement, Nantes stated it will continue supporting “interested parties” in Georgia through civil society initiatives.

Sister-city relationships are formal agreements between cities, often involving cultural and economic exchange, and are intended to foster understanding and cooperation. The suspension of this relationship indicates a breakdown in the established framework. 

By Tamilla Hasanova