On their third trip to the partner region of Ivano-Frankivsk in Ukraine, the representatives of the Pilsen Region and their counterparts from Ukraine signed a memorandum of cooperation. The basis of the Memorandum was already established in the spring 2022 on the basis of a meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador and was confirmed by both parties by video conference. As part of the trip, the representatives of the region took an ambulance to the hospital in Lysets as well as medical equipment and power generators. At its meeting on 19 December 2022, the representatives also approved support of CZK 5 million to ensure assistance to Ukraine. The financial support will be used and approved by the Council of the Pilsen Region according to the current situation. Representatives will then receive an informational report.
“The conclusion of the partnership is not only symbolic for us in supporting Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence. It is our goal and intention to operate normal, full-fledged and mutually beneficial cooperation between the regions after the end of this war conflict. As with the regions to the west, the Upper Palatinate, Lower Bavaria and others, this cooperation will also be implemented in various areas of public administration,” says Rudolf Špoták, Governor of the Pilsen Region, who travelled to Ukraine together with his Deputy Governors Josef Bernard, Pavel Hais and Pavel Čížek.
The forms of cooperation will be specifically focused on the following areas: industry, agriculture, transport and trade; science, technology and education; health care and the social sphere; local government; culture and the arts; tourism and sports development; environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources. The parties will also focus on exchanging information and experience in the field of EU funds and on promoting joint projects. “They will also focus on promoting cooperation with local authorities in both regions, establishing links between businesses, chambers of commerce, scientific institutions and health and social services. The declaration is concluded for an indefinite period of time,” Rudolf Špoták added.