Signing of the Partnership Agreement between Lutsk and Lippe District (Germany)
On 6 September in the city of Detmold (Germany) Mayor of Lutsk Mykola Romaniuk and Landrat of Lippe District (Germany) Friedel Heuwinkel signed the Partnership Agreement. The Agreement predetermines development and strengthening of cooperation between the citizens, overcoming stereotypes through mutual apprehension of lifestyles, culture, history and traditions, as well as forms of economic and social activities, establishing cooperation in the fields of education, social policy, health care, ecology, support for implementation of sports, cultural projects.
In addition, special attention will be paid to establishing contacts in the fields of youth policy through organization of scientific and professional trainings, cultural exchanges. The honourable guests of the solemn ceremony of the Partnership Agreement signing included: Chairman of Foreign Affairs Commettee of the European Parliament Elmar Brok, Member of German Bundestag Heinrich Zertik, Head of the Union “Bridges to Ukraine” Karl-Hermann Krog, Division Head of the Embassy of Ukraine in Bonn Vladyslav Yehorov, mayors of Lippe District cities, members of Lippe District Landtag (legislative body of the District), and delegations from the cities of Chodzież (Poland) and Kaunas (Lithuania).
The solemnity of the atmosphere was underlined by the European Union anthem “Ode to Joy”, sang by the People's Artist of Ukraine Vasyl Chepelyuk Folk, accompanied by the folk instruments amateur orchestra of "Volynianka".
During his solemn speech Landrat of the Lippe District Friedel Hoivinkel emphasized the importance of the Partnership Agreement conclusion, especially cosidering the geopolitical situation in Europe. In addition, he stressed that signing of the document was unanimously supported by the members of the Lippe District Landtag. In his turn, Mykola Romanyuk noted that it has been a long 20-years way till we reached this historical moment, as thanks to the Head of the union "Bridges to Ukraine" Karl-Hermann Krog, cooperation between Lutsk and Lippe has lasted for a long time. Mayor of Lutsk thanked for the warm welcome and for their support during such difficult time.
There was also a meeting of Lippe Partner cities: Lutsk, Chodzież (Poland) and Kaunas (Lithuania). Joint fields of cooperation were discussed, paying special attention to implementation of future youth initiatives, and projects, promoting European identity. Besides, the sides agreed to cooperate within social issues, as well as work out projects, regarding renewable sources of energy and IT-technologies.
On 5-6 September the celebrations, dedicated to the Day of the City of Schlangen took place in Lippe District. Cultural events were attended by People's Artist of Ukraine Vasyl Chepelyuk and Folk amateur orchestra of folk instruments "Volynianka", who presented Lutsk and were warmly welcomed by residents and visitors. Tourism potential of Lutsk was represented by the exhibition stand of the Tourist Information and Services Centre, as well as honey products, provided by the NGO "Brotherhood of Volyn Land Beekeepers "Swarm state".
During his stay in Bad Salzuflen Mayor of Lutsk had a meeting with the Head and members of Union "Bridges to Ukraine". During the meeting, Mykola Romaniuk informed that under his claim Mr. Krog was noted with the state award of Ukraine – the Order "For Merit" of the III degree for significant contribution to strengthening the international authority of Ukraine, promotion of its historical heritage and modern achievements and on the occasion of 24 anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence (according to the Decree of the President of Ukraine № 492/2015).
It is worth mentioning that cooperation between Lutsk and Lippe District has lasted for along time and was initiated by Head of the Union “Bridges to Ukraine” Karl-Hermann Krog, who in 1998 organized the first study visit of students from Volyn region, who passed training in the institutions, banks and entreprises of the Lippe District. In Novemeber 2014 cooperation between Lutsk and Lippe District transformed into Memorandum on Cooperation.