On 20 November the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs received a delegation of Ukrainian mayors representing the municipalities of Lviv, Mariupol, Opishnya, Tarashcha, Poltava, Pryyutivka, Uman and Chortkiv, in the presence of the Ukrainian Ambassador to France and the Co-President of the Europe Commission of the Association of French Mayors.
The meeting falls within the framework of their participation in the Franco-Ukrainian local authorities conference, which was held on 19 November during the 106th congress of French mayors and intercommunal presidents.
The Minister reaffirmed France's unwavering commitment to Ukraine and its towns and cities, which are facing up to the terrible consequences of the war of aggression Russia is waging against Ukraine. He recalled the essential role of local-authority diplomacy, which is proving to be a crucial vehicle for Ukraine's reconstruction.
The Minister paid tribute to the essential role of French local authorities in the solidarity effort towards the Ukrainian people and their local authorities. From 24 February 2022 onwards, French local authorities distinguished themselves through a spontaneous, large-scale mobilization: financial aid, humanitarian donations, a response to essential needs, and initiatives aimed at making it easier for Ukrainian refugees to be received and supported in France.
1,000 days after the beginning of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, France intends to continue its efforts, including at local level, to increase the Ukrainian people's resilience and support Ukraine on the path to European Union membership.