Wiesbaden forges a partnership with Kamjanez-Podilskyj
In a symbolic gesture of international friendship, cultural exchange, and solidarity, the cities of Wiesbaden, Germany, and Kamyanez-Podilskyi, Ukraine, officially twinned on September 10-13, 2023. Mykhailo Positko, leading a delegation from Kamyanez-Podilskyi, signed the Golden Book of the state capital Wiesbaden during the ceremony held at the town hall of Wiesbaden.
Kamyanez-Podilskyi, a city rich in history and culture, is the third oldest in Ukraine and has been significantly impacted by the daily effects of the Russian war of aggression. Despite these challenges, it has managed to evolve into one of the most important tourist centers in western Ukraine since the end of the 1990s. The city has a population of around 100,000 inhabitants.
The town twinning between Wiesbaden and Kamyanez-Podilskyi reflects a broader post-Cold War movement to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation between European cities. The partnership, established in the early 1990s or later (specific founding date is not widely documented), symbolizes German support for Ukraine in its post-Soviet transition period and promotes cultural ties between the two cities.
The twinning relationship facilitates exchange programs involving schools, artists, and cultural institutions, deepening mutual understanding and appreciation of each city’s heritage. It also offers platforms for exchanging best practices in city governance, urban development, environmental projects, and economic collaboration.
Moreover, the twinning highlights Germany’s political and social solidarity with Ukraine, especially important given Ukraine’s geopolitical challenges. It encourages residents in both cities to participate in international dialogue through festivals, visits, and joint projects.
In the current context, given recent geopolitical tensions and conflict affecting Ukraine, twinning relationships like Wiesbaden-Kamianets-Podilskyi also serve as channels for humanitarian aid and raising awareness in German communities about Ukraine’s situation. Currently, approximately 25,000 refugees are seeking shelter in Kamyanez-Podilskyi.
This historic event marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Germany and Ukraine, fostering friendship, understanding, and cooperation between the two nations. For more detailed information on projects and collaborations between these two cities, local municipal archives or official city websites for Wiesbaden or Kamyanez-Podilskyi might offer more precise data.
The twinning between Wiesbaden and Kamyanez-Podilskyi extends beyond a symbolic gesture, serving as a platform for general news and political discussions, as it encourages international dialogue and fosters cultural ties between the two cities. In this context, the relationship facilitates exchange programs and best practices in city governance, urban development, and economic collaboration. This collaboration is particularly relevant given the significant influx of refugees in Kamyanez-Podilskyi, highlighting Germany's continued support for Ukraine during these challenging times.
