Uzhhorod has expanded its network of international partnerships by signing a cooperation agreement with the Portuguese city of Maia. The agreement was signed by Bohdan Andriyiv, Mayor of Uzhhorod, and António Silva Tiago, President of the Municipality of Maia, during the regional “Maia-Ukraine” Forum on the recovery of Ukrainian communities, which was held in Portugal.

Maia has become the 29th twin city of Uzhhorod and the 13th Portuguese municipality to have officially established a partnership with a Ukrainian municipality.

The agreement envisages the development of cooperation in local self-government, education, culture, digital transformation, youth policy, and sustainable development. The parties also plan to implement joint projects with the support of European programmes and funds, and to organise professional exchanges, study visits, and internships for local government representatives.

The partners will pay special attention to the exchange of management experience and the implementation of modern municipal practices.

During the visit, the delegation from Uzhhorod City Council had a series of working meetings with the representatives of the municipality of Maia, dedicated to urban development, the environment, digitalisation, and security. The Ukrainian delegation also learned about the work of the municipal civil protection service and the experience of the community in responding to emergencies.

Maryna Mykhailenko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Portugal, joined the Forum. She emphasised the importance of developing international municipal partnerships for the recovery of Ukraine and for strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and European communities.

‘The signing of the agreement between Uzhhorod and Maia is yet another demonstration that Ukrainian and Portuguese municipalities are ready to work together for the recovery of Ukraine and the strengthening of European unity,’ said Maryna Mykhailenko.

According to Bohdan Andriiv, cooperation between communities opens up new opportunities for joint projects and the exchange of experience.

Maia is a city located near Porto, with a population of over 130,000 residents. It is known for its well-developed urban infrastructure, high-quality municipal services, and active international activities.