Kremenets–Paliano: the first steps of an international partnership

Congress10 May 2025#Main events #International cooperation

4–6 May 2025

A delegation of the National Congress of Ukrainian Associations in Italy (CNAUI) took part in the international conference “Friends of Ukraine Forum 2025”, organised by its partners the Mayors Club of Ukraine and UMEDA – the Ukrainian Municipal Economic Development Agency, together with the NGO Dobrobat.

A dialogue between the Kremenets and Paliano administrations

As part of the forum, a live video link was set up between Ukraine and Italy, with the participation of:

Andrii Smahliuk, Mayor of Kremenets, together with his deputy
Francesca Calamari, Councillor for Culture of the Municipality of Paliano
The discussion focused on the importance of international friendship, partnership and mutual assistance.

“At this difficult time, as Ukraine fights for freedom and democracy, the support of our international partners is an invaluable contribution to our struggle,” the Ukrainian representatives said.

For her part, Francesca Calamari expressed the Italian community’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people, stressing that the new areas of cooperation are an important step in developing the international partnership.

An exchange of symbols of friendship

As a token of respect and cooperation, the Ukrainian delegation presented Paliano’s representatives with gifts from Kremenets symbolising the unity, historical heritage and culture of Ukraine.

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On 10 May, during Paliano’s Volunteering Day, CNAUI President Lara Levchun presented a Ukrainian flag and special gifts from the Kremenets community to Mayor Domenico Alfieri and Councillor Francesca Calamari.

Next steps: an official delegation in August

The meeting marked an important start to the official partnership process between the communities of Kremenets and Paliano. A delegation from Kremenets is expected to travel to Italy in August this year for further talks and to sign a cooperation agreement.

Lara Levchun stressed that people-to-people diplomacy is a key element of a successful international partnership:

“When a partnership between towns goes beyond formal politics and becomes genuine contact between people, it brings the best results. Shared cultural events, economic initiatives and educational programmes enrich both communities and create a strong bond.”

This process strengthens the unity between Ukraine and Italy, helping to broaden diplomatic and cultural ties between our peoples.

We invite you to join the conversation about future projects and international partnership!