A special Minot City Council meeting will be held Monday at 4:30 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers for the signing of a Sister City Agreement with officials from Skien, Norway.

The City of Minot, Minot State University, Minot Public Schools, Norsk Hostfest, and the Minot Area Chamber EDC will gather with Skien officials to renew a contract that was last signed in September 2017.

Minot and Skien have been Sister Cities since 1981, driving business development relations in both countries, supporting each other by sharing networks and connections, and fostering cultural and educational opportunities. The contract outlines the scope of the partnership and solidifies future efforts to resume a strong working collaboration.

“We are excited to host the Skien delegation this year, especially after taking a two-year break due to the pandemic,” said Minot Mayor Tom Ross. “The Sister City bond was established many decades ago and we are thankful for the opportunity to continue this relationship.”

“The contact and cooperation between our cities reaches backwards for many decades, but in the perspective of the current foreign affairs-situation, I believe that a strong and positive friendship between our cities is even more important,” said Trude Tvedt, Skien City Council and City Board member.

The signing will kick off Norsk Hostfest week, with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday at 1 p.m., in the Great Hall of the Vikings. The festival will last through Oct. 1, bringing Scandinavian cuisine, culture and merchandise, as well as world-class entertainment. The Sister City agreement and Norsk Hostfest seek to celebrate the American and Scandinavian ties and help to “Bridge the Atlantic.”