The meeting between the representatives of the town of Khust in Ukraine and the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Mike Booth, council leader Cllr Munsif Dad, and other councillors and borough officers at Accrington Town Hall was a significant step forward in the proposal to set up a twinning arrangement between the two towns. The proposal, which was first agreed upon last year, aims to foster closer ties between Accrington and Khust and explore opportunities for mutual benefit.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Professor Mykhaylo Oros and Mrs Liudmyla Varha, was warmly welcomed by the council representatives, who were eager to discuss the potential benefits of the twinning arrangement. The delegation consisted of representatives from various sectors, including education, healthcare, and local government, who were keen to learn more about the town of Accrington and its people.
During the meeting, Professor Oros and Mrs Varha expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome and support received from the people of Hyndburn. They highlighted the significant challenges facing the town of Khust, which is located in the Carpathian mountains in western Ukraine, and the importance of international support and solidarity. The town of Khust has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with many residents forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of the country.
The council representatives were deeply moved by the stories of the Ukrainian delegation and expressed their solidarity with the people of Khust. Cllr Booth praised the warm reception the Ukrainian delegation had received from the people of Hyndburn, saying “It was wonderful to meet our Ukrainian guests, those visiting and those who have been resident in our borough. I was proud – and not at all surprised – to hear from them about the warmth they have experienced from our Hyndburn community. I look forward to plans for the twinning arrangement progressing.”
Cllr Dad, the Council Leader, emphasized the importance of twinning arrangements in promoting international cooperation and understanding. He noted that twinning arrangements are not only an expression of solidarity and friendship, but also an opportunity to explore mutual benefits such as around economic development and trade, education, and cultural engagement. He confirmed the council’s ongoing commitment to the initiative and looked forward to a report coming to the September Full Council meeting for the agreement to be formalized.
The meeting was also attended by Ukrainian residents of Hyndburn, who spoke warmly of the welcome and support they had received from the people of Hyndburn. They highlighted the significant challenges they had faced since fleeing Ukraine, including finding employment, accessing healthcare, and integrating into British society. They praised the community support and solidarity they had received from the people of Hyndburn, saying that it had made a significant difference to their lives.
The twinning arrangement between Accrington and Khust is expected to be formalized at the September Full Council meeting, paving the way for a range of initiatives and projects to be developed and implemented. The council is committed to working closely with the Ukrainian delegation to ensure that the twinning arrangement is a success and benefits both communities.
In the coming months, the council will establish a working group or committee to develop plans and projects for the twinning arrangement, involving representatives from both Accrington and Khust. The group will identify potential areas for collaboration and mutual benefit, such as economic development, trade, education, and cultural engagement. The group will also work to develop a range of initiatives and projects, such as cultural exchanges, educational programs, and business networking opportunities.
The twinning arrangement is seen as a significant step forward in promoting international cooperation and understanding between Accrington and Khust. It is expected to have a positive impact on both communities, promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and educational collaboration. The arrangement will also provide a platform for the people of Accrington and Khust to come together and work towards a common goal, promoting peace, understanding, and solidarity.
The meeting between the representatives of the town of Khust and the Mayor of Hyndburn and council representatives was a significant step forward in the proposal to set up a twinning arrangement between the two towns. The proposal, which was first agreed upon last year, aims to foster closer ties between Accrington and Khust and explore opportunities for mutual benefit. The twinning arrangement is expected to be formalized at the September Full Council meeting, paving the way for a range of initiatives and projects to be developed and implemented.
The council is committed to working closely with the Ukrainian delegation to ensure that the twinning arrangement is a success and benefits both communities. The arrangement will provide a platform for the people of Accrington and Khust to come together and work towards a common goal, promoting peace, understanding, and solidarity. The twinning arrangement is a significant step forward in promoting international cooperation and understanding between Accrington and Khust, and is expected to have a positive impact on both communities.