The cities of Nivala and Haapajärvi have signed twin city agreements with the Ukrainian municipalities of Shyroke and Apostolove. These agreements build upon already initiated cooperation and aim to further strengthen joint regional development in the future through concrete collaborative projects.
Twin city cooperation offers tangible benefits to both Finnish and Ukrainian partners. Experiences and expertise can be shared in areas such as Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic and institutional development, as well as education and culture. At the same time, bridges are built that strengthen international engagement and provide fresh perspectives for the future development of municipalities.
Jonna Tamminen, Mayor of Haapajärvi, highlights the benefits for local entrepreneurs.
– The twin city agreement elevates the level of dialogue and collaboration, and we hope it will create new openings for our region’s entrepreneurs in international business. We wish to facilitate interaction with Apostolove in a way that benefits both cities and delivers practical added value, Tamminen remarks.
Päivi Karikumpu, Mayor of Nivala, sees great potential in the agreement.
– The cooperation agreement with Shyroke is a great opportunity for us to learn from each other and to strengthen international connections. The collaboration also provides new perspectives for developing the city’s operations, and at the same time it can open up new business opportunities for our companies in Ukraine, Karikumpu states.
Twin city agreements lay the foundation for cooperation that can, over the years, develop into a broad and multifaceted partnership. They also foster trust between communities and create new opportunities for residents, culture, and businesses alike.
Denys Korotenko, Chairman of the Shyroke Council, believes the agreement is highly significant and looks ahead with optimism.
– Signing this agreement is a new, logical step in strengthening our friendship and deepening cooperation. Despite the daily challenges and dangers posed by war, we will continue planning for the future, developing initiatives, and implementing projects. I know that our greatest achievements lie ahead,” Korotenko affirms.
Secretary of the Apostolove Сity Сouncil, Lesia Mikhno also regards the agreement as a valuable opportunity.
– This cooperation opens new horizons for us and brings hope for building the future. It is important that we can share our expertise and learn from our Finnish partners. I believe our joint projects will yield results and build a strong foundation for our friendship, Mikhno says.
As a partner to the municipalities, NIHAK has long supported the internationalization of local businesses. According to NIHAK’s CEO Toni Krankkala, the newly signed twin city agreement is a concrete example of cooperation taking place at a very practical, people-to-people level.
– One key aspect is supporting local businesses in entering new markets, and Ukraine’s reconstruction offers significant opportunities for companies in our region. It is great that NIHAK can contribute to developing this hands-on cooperation in so many different ways. Communication between Ukrainians and Finns is already regular, and it also helps promote business. We firmly believe that direct connections between people will support future business agreements as well, Krankkala concludes.
