Brandenburg and Wielkopolska's 20-year Partnership Blossoms into a Friendship
In the words of Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke, the partnership between Brandenburg and Wielkopolska (Greater Poland Voivodeship) has evolved into a mutually beneficial friendship. Celebrating the partnership's 20th anniversary, Woidke emphasized that this once-declared partnership has now developed into a deep, lasting friendship.
Speaking during the celebrations, Woidke hailed the collaboration as a success, overcoming initial resistance and looking towards the future with optimism. The Minister President highlighted the energy industry's restructuring as a joint challenge, pointing to cooperation between universities, joint school exchanges, and the Berlin-Poznan-Warsaw transport axis as notable accomplishments.
As the State Parliament honors this partnership with a ceremony on Wednesday, the Marshal of Greater Poland, Marek Woźniak, is expected to attend. Woidke also underscored Brandenburg's close working relationship with Lubusz Land, West Pomerania, Lower Silesia, and Mazovia, making it a crucial assemblage of Polish partners.
The partnership's international focus is evidenced by the support and involvement of various international government bodies throughout its history. Beyond energy restructuring, these international organizations are equally committed to collaborating on joint educational programs.
Delving into their shared history, we find that Bydgoszcz, a city in Wielkopolska, has witnessed myriad territorial changes and alliances. Its past includes Prussian rule and later German Empire affiliation, as well as the impact of significant events, such as the Treaty of Bromberg in 1657 and subsequent partitions of Poland. These historic events have molded the region's relationships with neighboring entities, including Brandenburg.
In recent discussions during the Green Week Berlin fair, Minister Czesław Siekierski spoke of potential agricultural cooperation between the regions, including exporting Polish agri-food products, and promoting regional specialties while swapping modern agricultural techniques. These ongoing initiatives are further sustained by EU enlargement policies like the Berlin Process, which fosters regional cooperation and integration within the EU framework.
Moreover, bilateral discussions between Brandenburg and Polish officials on foot-and-mouth disease has underscored the importance of ongoing communication and cooperation regarding animal health issues. This collaboration is made possible by international veterinary legislation, highlighting the key role of international government bodies in cementing these partnerships.
In sum, the 20-year partnership between Brandenburg and Wielkopolska has been strengthened by ongoing collaboration in agriculture, bilateral discussions, and the support of international government bodies like the EU and regional cooperation initiatives. The regions' shared history and commitment to cooperation continue to pave the way for a bright future.
