The city of Southend-on-Sea will welcome Mr. Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of Melitopol City Council, Ukraine, and Ms. Olha Pikula, Deputy of Mariupol City Council, Ukraine, on Tuesday, 26th September.
This historic visit is part of a wider visit to the UK, and promises to create a new relationship between our cities and show support for Ukraine.
The visit will start with a special Full Council meeting taking place at 10am on Tuesday 26 September in the Council Chamber. The guests will then meet other organisations and council staff involved in the local response to welcoming Ukrainian refugees.
The visit follows Melitopol City Council reaching out to councils across Europe to introduce their city and build relationships.
The Worshipful The Mayor of Southend-on-Sea, Cllr Stephen Habermel, says: “Southend-on-Sea has a long history of embracing diversity and celebrating the strength that comes from a community of different backgrounds and experiences and we have been proud to support the Homes for Ukraine scheme and welcome around 300 Ukrainians into our community.
“I am therefore delighted that we will be welcoming two distinguished guests from Ukraine and show our continued support for their country and people.”
Cllr Tony Cox, leader of the council, says: “We are excited about the opportunity to showcase the best of our City and provide a warm and hospitable reception to our distinguished Ukrainian guests.
"We are honoured to host them and look forward to building lasting connections with them and their cities.”