Port Hope-Nadvirna twinning is official
Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky signing the twin city agreement. Photo courtesy of the Town of Port Hope.
By Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Port Hope
Details are emerging on the Port Hope-Nadvirna Twinning Agreement, signed Monday in a virtual ceremony.
Following Monday's virtual ceremony, it's official – the Municipality of Port Hope and the City of Nadvirna in Ukraine have a Twinning Agreement signed by their respective mayors, Olena Hankivsky and Zinoviy Andriyovych.
The agreement establishes a formal mutual partnership aimed at fostering co-operation in the areas of tourism development, culture and historical architecture youth co-operation, sports, science and education, environmental protection, economic development, knowledge exchange, and health across various fields.
“Twinning agreements create meaningful connections between communities, allowing us to learn from one another while strengthening international ties,” Hankivsky stated in the announcement.
“By formalizing our relationship with Nadvirna, we affirm our support for Ukraine and look forward to future collaboration in areas that benefit both municipalities.”
“Thank you to the people of Canada for supporting Ukraine in the time of war,” Andriyovych added.
“This is very significant for us. Together with international allies, we grow stronger and will do everything to defend our country,”
The conflict in Ukraine and the resulting widespread devastation has prompted global support initiatives, such as the Canada-Ukraine Twin Cities Initiative, which called on Members of Parliament and Senators to encourage their municipalities to establish twinning agreements (such as this one) as a demonstration of solidarity. Northumberand-Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence proposed this particular agreement, which Port Hope council approved in 2024.
Twin city agreements (sometimes called sister-city relationships) play an important role in enhancing international relations, encouraging cultural exchange, economic development and mutual understanding between municipalities that share similar values and aspirations.
Following formalization of the Port Hope-Nadvirna agreement, the mayors discussed the creation of a working group that would include representatives from both communities – with representation from government offices, local organizations and the youth community,. The municipalities have identified health mental health and the rehabilitation of Ukraine's armed forces as their first priority, followed by education and the environment as areas to explore.
