Cesar Maia said that he is trying to develop international relations of Rio de Janeiro, which helps to exchange experience and learn from each other.

Rio de Janeiro mayor said that the cities could promote tourism in cooperation as they represent different cultural values. He said that Rio is interested in cultural exchange, preservation of historic monuments, development of healthcare, sport and others.

Cesar Maia said he will place images on Samarkand and detailed information on his visit to Samarkand in his blog, which, he said, have large audience. He said this will promote knowledge on Samarkand among Brazilians.

Zoir Mirzaev said that Rio de Janeiro became the ninth twin city of Samarkand. Among twin cities are Lyons (France), Liege (Belgium), Lahor (Pakistan), Lviv (Ukraine), Krasnoyarsk and Samara (Russia), Banda Aceh (Indonesia) and Urgench (Uzbekistan).

He said that the ties will be established with Bulgaria’s Plovdiv, Greece’s Thessaloniki and Italy’s Ravenna.