KUNDA (Estonia)

Kunda is situated in the northern part of Estonia. River Kunda which is one of the longest rivers in the northern Estonia flows through the city. The first record of Kunda village appeared in 1241 but it was only in 1938 that Kunda was granted city rights. The city has a population of 4000 people. The development of Kunda started at the beginning of 19th century, along with the foundation of the port that became a window on the world. The increase in trade connected with the establishment of the port contributed to further development of the town. It was also in the 19th century that the first hydroelectric power station by the Baltic Sea was established in Kunda.

It is the Toolse Castle established in 1471 by the Livonian Order that is the attraction of the city. It was built in order to protect Toolse bay against pirates' attacks. The castle was destroyed during the Great Northern War but one can still admire its beautiful ruins.

The city is also associated with the production of cement. Established in 1870, the cement factory was turned into Kunda Nordic Cement Ltd. in 1992. Kunda cement is produced not only in order to meet local demand, but is also exported to Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Poland, Belgium, Portugal, Finland and West Africa.

From 26th to 29th September 1999 an official delegation from the Estonian town of Kunda visited Gdynia. Study visits to the World Trade Center Gdynia, Port of Gdynia, Scancem and the Pomeranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry enabled the guests to learn economic and cultural potential of Gdynia. Moreover, during the first day of the visit an official meeting in Gdynia City Hall was held. At the meeting Kunda and Gdynia representatives discussed the programme of co-operation. On 27th September 1999 the letter of intent initiating contacts between two cities was signed. On 24th February 2001 Gdynia and Kunda concluded a twinning agreement for the period of two years.

The agreement stresses the following subjects: direct exchange of citizens, realization of joint projects, organization and participation in events whose aim is the presentation of both places in the fields of education, culture, sport, tourism, environment protection, social care and economy. On 8th August 2003 a subsequent agreement was signed. This happened during the visit of Gdynia delegation to Kunda which was held on the occasion of the "Days of Friendship".

The agreement stresses the following subjects: direct exchange of citizens, realization of mutual projects, organization and participation in events whose aim is the presentation of both places in the fields of education, culture, sport, tourism, environment protection, social help and economy.