Prime Minister: We plan to conclude memorandums with partner countries to lay down intentions for the reconstruction of Ukrainian regions

In a statement at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, held under the chairmanship of the Chairman of the Presidium of the Congress, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal called on representatives of the heads of regions, cities and communities to actively negotiate with their colleagues on cooperation in recovery.

"Talk to your colleagues in countries given certain agreements reached. Ask to help your city or community in reconstruction, start developing joint projects. Let's together give new momentum to the phrase ‘sister cities", emphasized the Head of the Government.

Denys Shmyhal reminded that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had proposed to apply a regional approach to recovery a few months ago, for our allies to take under patronage different regions of Ukraine.

"This means that they do not just provide grants, loans or investments. They take a direct part in the preparation and implementation of reconstruction projects in the regions and communities of our country," the Prime Minister noted.

According to the Head of Government, it means that partners can bring their unique experience and understanding of how to build a qualitatively new environment. This synergy between central, local authorities and international partners, in his opinion, will allow to ensure the transformation of regions based on the principle of Build Back Better.

As Denis Shmyhal told, Ukraine already has agreements with some partners who demonstrate readiness to participate in such a transformation. For example, Switzerland is ready to participate in the reconstruction of Odesa, Great Britain - in the reconstruction of Kyiv region, Estonia - in the reconstruction of Zhytomyr region. Denmark - in the reconstruction of Mykolaiv city and the Mykolaiv region.

"We actively communicate with all our allies and want to conclude memorandums with partner countries, thereby laying down the relevant intentions for the reconstruction of Ukrainian regions. This will make it possible to transfer the issue from the political plane to the level of specifics, technical documentation of projects, clear plans," the Prime Minister emphasized.

The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, heads of regional military administrations, representatives of the Government, the Office of the President and partner countries took part in the meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine.