Somerset Council signs collaboration deal with Ukraine region
It aims to build closer with the Vinnytsia area of the country
Somerset Council has signed a deal with the aim of progressing collaboration between the county and the Vinnytsia region in Ukraine.
Council Chair Mike Best visited the Ukrainian Embassy in London to seal a non-legally binding cooperation agreement.
Somerset Council was approached by the Ukrainian Embassy to explore the deal for an initial period of five years.
A number of other local authorities are developing similar agreements, as the basis for long term collaboration with regions of Ukraine.
Councillor Best said: “This agreement is a positive step towards opening avenues of joint working that would previously have been difficult as well as showing Somerset’s continued solidarity with Ukraine and sending a clear message of belonging to the Ukrainians who have sought refuge and been welcomed here.”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said: “Today, we are witnessing a truly remarkable event — the establishment of a partnership between two important regions of Ukraine and the UK.
“I hope this marks the beginning of fruitful co-operation across all key areas. I express my sincere gratitude to our British partners and believe that our regions will become true friends.”
The Vinnytsia region, also known as Vinnytsia Oblast, is in the southwest of Ukraine.
Its administrative centre is the city of Vinnytsia, and it borders Moldova to the south.
The region has a population of 1.5m (as of 2022).
The economy of the region is focused mainly on agriculture, including grain and sugar production, minerals, quarrying, manufacturing and electricity generation are also important to the economy of the region.
There is a growing digital sector and a thriving education system, with the region of Vinnytsia also boasting rich historical and cultural heritage.
It's home to three of the seven Wonders of Ukraine.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to achieve knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage inward investment opportunities between Vinnytsia Region and Somerset.
Other areas exploring similar agreements include Norfolk who are working with Lviv and Kent who are working with Chernihiv, as well as Local Government Association colleagues.
Peterborough, which is twinned with the city of Vinnytsia, will also help Somerset learn from their experience.