Artur Parfenchikov and Sergei Sobyanin agreed on the reconstruction of the Onega Embankment and industrial development
The Head of the Republic of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov and the Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin signed a new Cooperation Agreement. The document elevates relations between the two regions to a qualitatively new level, consolidating the success of existing investment projects and paving the way for new large-scale initiatives. The head of Karelia secured extra-budgetary funding for the reconstruction of the Onega Embankment in Petrozavodsk in 2026.
– Our cooperation spans a wide range of sectors, from extractive industries to high technology. We are building a multi-tiered partnership based on mutually reinforced competencies. I am confident that this new agreement will provide a solid foundation for implementation of ambitious programs for the benefit of the residents of Karelia and Moscow, – said Artur Parfenchikov, the Head of the Republic of Karelia, during the document signing.
Urban Environment Investments: A New Life for the Onega Embankment
The key social project of the renewed partnership will be the large-scale reconstruction of the Onega Embankment in Petrozavodsk. According to Artur Parfenchikov, the work is scheduled to begin in 2026.
The project significant status is enhanced by its funding. The improvements will be implemented with the support of the Moscow Mayor and the company “BIOEN”. For Karelia, this is another successful example of attracting extra-budgetary funds for development of public spaces.
The city landmark will be transformed. O\Iver 20,000 square meters of new granite paving will be installed. The renovated embankment will become a modern and comfortable recreation area for thousands of the residents and visitors to the republic.
From Crushed Stone to Robots: How the Regions Benefit Each Other
Another example of the Head of Karelia's successful development of interregional ties is the 2023 offset contract under which a new stone processing plant of the company “BIOEN” opened in the Kondopozhsky District last year. Over 10 years, the plant will produce goods worth 61 billion rubles, ensuring stable employment and tax revenues for the budget.
Owing to close cooperation with the Moscow Government and the investment attraction, Karelia confidently entered the Top 20 of the national investment attractiveness ranking.
High Technology and the Moscow Metro
Interregional cooperation extends beyond stone mining to high technology. The products from the Karelian manufacturers are popular in the capital:
– The company “MB Barbell” equipment has already been installed at more than 300 socially significant sites in Moscow.
– The high-tech fire-fighting robotic systems of “EFER” are being delivered under the contracts with the Moscow enterprises.
The Head of Karelia emphasized that the agreements on active use of the Karelian stone in construction and decoration of the new Moscow metro stations were reached.
Cultural Dialogue and Tourism Potential
The regional partnership extends far beyond industry. The recent events demonstrate active cultural exchange:
– The Karelian Museum of Fine Arts presented exhibits at the exhibition “Moskvichka” at the Museum of Moscow.
– The State National Theatre of Karelia presented the play “Kullervo” at the festival “Teatralnyi Bulvar – 2025” in the capital.
In addition, a themed train “Karelia — A Place Where Strength Returns” runs daily on the Moscow metro introducing millions of passengers to the northern region tourism opportunities.
Sergey Sobyanin thanked Artur Parfenchikov for their fruitful collaboration and praised the potential for cooperation between the Russian capital and the Republic of Karelia.
– Over the past five years, economic and social ties between our regions have significantly strengthened. More than 800 Karelian enterprises have signed contracts to fulfill government contracts in Moscow, – the Moscow Mayor emphasized. – Today, we are signing a new agreement that will strengthen our cooperation in transportation, industry, education, healthcare, and a number of other areas.
