Tehran: Iran's Lahijan and Armenia's Sisian cities have signed a sister-city memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, economic activities, and urban management, as the two countries seek to strengthen people-to-people and local-level ties. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the memorandum was signed in Sisian by Lahijan Mayor Reza Zendehdel and Sisian Mayor Hovhannes Arakelyan, in the presence of Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil Shirgholami and other officials from both countries. Shirgholami described the MoU as an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Iran and Armenia, emphasizing the importance of expanding contacts between cities and using their capacities to deepen bilateral ties. Zendehdel highlighted Lahijan's cultural, economic, and tourism potential, describing it as a major destination in northern Iran and a city known for its tea, bamboo, and silk industries. He said the partnership would facilitate exchanges among municipal m anagers, artists, academics, intellectuals, and local institutions, potentially boosting tourism and economic activity in both cities. Arakelyan also stressed the importance of sustained contacts among municipal officials, residents, and local institutions, saying the memorandum could promote greater familiarity with the cultural, tourism, and economic capacities of both cities. A cultural exhibition featuring Iranian and Armenian handicrafts, cultural products, and local souvenirs was also held alongside the ceremony.