ITANAGAR, Jun 14: In a significant move to strengthen inter-state cooperation and promote sustainable tourism, the Temi-Namphing Assembly Constituency of Sikkim and the Mebo Assembly Constituency of Arunachal Pradesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Sister Constituency partnership for the next three years.
The agreement was signed by Temi-Namphing MLA Bedu Singh Panth and Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng on the sidelines of the 1st International Agro-Tourism Festival 2026 held at Temi in South Sikkim.
The partnership aims to promote quality tourism, cultural exchange, knowledge sharing and sustainable tourism practices between the two regions, while creating new opportunities for economic growth and strengthening people-to-people connections.
MLA Tayeng, who attended the festival along with a delegation from Mebo, described the agreement as a landmark step towards enhancing cooperation between the two Northeastern states.
He said the partnership would open new avenues for collaboration in tourism development, cultural promotion and community-led initiatives, while enabling both regions to showcase their rich heritage, scenic landscapes and traditional knowledge systems.
The legislator also praised Sikkim's tourism model, noting that the state has successfully balanced development with environmental conservation through responsible tourism practices. He said Arunachal could learn valuable lessons from Sikkim's experience in eco-tourism, community participation and destination management.
Tayeng further emphasized that stronger cooperation between hill and border regions could help develop integrated tourism circuits, enhance visitor experiences and generate livelihood opportunities for local youth.
The International Agro-Tourism Festival was inaugurated by Raj Kumari Thapa, Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The event was also attended by Tshering Norbu from Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan, and Manoj Parchai from Jhapa, Nepal.
According to the organisers, the Sister Constituency initiative will facilitate the exchange of best practices in tourism development, agro-tourism, cultural promotion and community-based enterprises, further strengthening ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.