Historic Step in Cooperation between Vinnytsia and Karlsruhe: Serhii Morhunov on Signing of the Twinning Agreement

The signing of the twinning agreement took place in Karlsruhe, where a delegation from Vinnytsia City Council headed by Mayor Serhii Morhunov arrived. The meeting was also attended by Consul General of Ukraine in Munich Yurii Yarmilko.

Thus, the twinning ties established under this Agreement will contribute to the development of our communities bilaterally. Cooperation and communication will be diverse and flexible in their focus. Among other things, they will focus on education, information technology, the use of alternative energy sources, urban mobility and spatial development, cultural and scientific spheres. And of course, European integration. These are relevant areas for post-war recovery and innovative development. Also, great importance will be attached to contacts between citizens at the level of civil society for the sustainable development of these relations and their support.

Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov noted that the signing of the twinning agreement is a historic step for further communication between the cities and residents of Vinnytsia and Karlsruhe.

"The first thing that unites us is European values, respect for human dignity and freedom, democracy and the rule of law. And today we are convinced of the importance of protecting all these values and standing together in the fight. The most important thing we have is the support of the entire civilized world, and Vinnytsia residents also have the friendly shoulder of our sister cities, and today - Karlsruhe. The Ukrainian people are fighting for the right to a free future, not only for themselves and their children, but for the whole of Europe. The people of Vinnytsia, like all Ukrainians, want to live in a democratic society. Without disruptions, without shocks, with modern European standards in a single European family and community, in comfortable and modern conditions, in comfortable and modern cities with a developed economy, with quality services and an innovative environment. And this is the basis for our further relations. From cultural and student exchanges to possible projects in business and other areas of urban life, we are starting this partnership at a difficult time for our country. But I am deeply convinced that this is a historic step and it is very eloquent because there is a real desire to communicate, find common ground and continue to move towards a peaceful life. And it is important that the twinning between our cities unites the residents of Vinnytsia and Karlsruhe," says Serhii Morhunov. "I thank the community of Karlsruhe, Mayor Frank Mentrup and the municipality, the Ukrainian Cultural Center, for the support you provide to the Ukrainian community and Vinnytsia residents. You supported us when russia wanted to plunge Ukraine into a blackout by providing tents and necessary equipment. Your support is important to us."

A flag exchange ceremony was also held. The Vinnytsia Folk Dance Ensemble Barvinok performed for the audience the Ukrainian traditional song "Ой у лузі червона калина" and the historical song "Badnerlied", which is of great importance to the residents of Karlsruhe.

In addition to the signing of the Twinning Agreement, a Memorandum was signed between the oldest technical higher education institution in Germany, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Vinnytsia National Technical University.

The head of the community also noted that a delegation from Karlsruhe will visit Vinnytsia in May.

Karlsruhe is a city in Germany, located in Baden-Württemberg, in the southwest of the country. It is a city of about 308 thousand people with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is also famous for its developed transport and electrical engineering, oil refining, metalworking, chemical, printing, and food industries. It is also worth noting that Karlsruhe is the second largest river port in Germany and has the country's largest oil refinery. The city has many architectural landmarks and a well-developed tourism industry.

The city is also an important scientific center, as it is home to the University of Karlsruhe and the Leopoldshafen Nuclear Research Center. The university is the oldest technical higher education institution in Germany and is known for its high achievements in mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.

Cultural and artistic institutions such as the State Academy of Fine Arts, the Baden State Museum, the State Art Gallery and the Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie (ZKM) multimedia art museum are also located in Karlsruhe. In addition, the first International Congress of Chemists was held in Karlsruhe in 1860, where clear formulations of the atom and molecule were first defined.