The trilateral documents has been signed by the Mayor of Panevėžys City Vitalijus Satkevičius, the Mayor of Panevėžys District Povilas Žagunis and the Vice President of Maramures County  Emil Marinescu. It is a unique agreement for Panevėžys as it is signed not with a foreign city but the county for the first time. Besides, the cooperation agreement is trilateral (signed with the Municipality of Panevėžys District).

During the signing ceremony in the City Hall of Panevėžys V. Satkevičius reminded that 25 years ago, in March,  the first partnership agreement with the City of Lünen in Germany was signed: " During that time cooperation expanded a lot- not only local authorities but also the representatives of culture, education, justice and legislation, health care institutions cooperate intensively. At last, even families have close contacts. I truly hope that the friendship with Maramures County in Romania will be developed in the same way".

"During my visits in Lithuania I had the possibility to conpare different cities. Panevėžys turned to be the most friendly, sincere and hospitable one. Such is also the region of Maramures. We do hope for successful cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, culture. First, Maramures would like to welcome the visit of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts",- said the Ambassador of Romania in Lithuania and Latvia H. E. Mr. Dan Balanescu. The guest reminded that the first contacts have already been started - Romanians have presented their films in the film festival "European Cinema Day and Night" organised by the Cinema Centre "Garsas". They would continue participation in this project with pleasure. Besides, in summer a Romanian Folklore Group will perform in Panevėžys.

"The distance between us is 1 400 kilometres. Still, good friends are better than good neighbours. Our County is famous for the industries of furniture, electricity, fruit and vegetables. Here, we would like to cooperate most",- stated the Vice President of Maramures County E. Marinescu.

"I wishh all of us thata  formal document (the agreement) would turn into concrete projects and works",- concluded the Mayor of Panevėžys County P. Žagunis.

Maramures County is the 12th partner of Panevėžys. At present, the city cooperates with Lünen(Germany), Kalmar (Sweden), Goes (The Netherlands), Lublin(Poland), Kolding (Denmark), Mytyshi(Russia) and Kaliningrad (Russia), Daugavpils (Latvia), Gabrovo (Bulgaria), Rakvere (Estonia) and Vinytsia (Ukraine).

Maramures is one of 40 counties in Romania. It is located in the Northern part of the country, next to the Western Ukraine.