Ukrainian visit strengthens ties with Norfolk

A delegation from Lviv in Ukraine have celebrated their growing connection with Norfolk on a recent visit to the county. 

The group have been in Norfolk over the last week to build on cultural, economic and scientific ties between the two regions. 

Among the group was Maksym Kozytskyy, Head of Lviv Regional Military (State) Administration, who was appointed to the role in 2020 by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

The visit began on Sunday to see an exhibition of modern Ukrainian art at The Forum. In the evening the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine performed at Norwich Theatre Royal. 

This was followed by a visit to Norwich Research Park and the new Orthopaedic Centre at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 

The final stop was at county hall to discuss the democratic process with their Norfolk counterparts, hosted by the Chairman of Norfolk County Council. 

Maksym Kozytskyy - Head of Lviv Regional Military (State) Administration, said: 

"It has been an honour for me to finally meet our partners from Norfolk County Council. The Lviv region is the first Ukrainian region to sign the memorandum of cooperation with Britain's counterpart, so this visit was very important for our delegation." 

"We were happy to bring Ukrainian art and music to get our partners acquainted with our rich culture." 

"I hope that in our future cooperation we will be able to create joint projects in medicine, agriculture and environment which will be mutually beneficial for Lviv region and Norfolk County." 

"I would also like to express my gratitude to Norfolk County Council, especially its leader Kay Mason Billig as well as to the people of Norfolk who were so kind to welcome many Ukrainian women and children escaping the war and make their stay as smooth as possible." 

Councillor Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council, said: 

"This visit has taught us the value of cooperation and friendship with our partners from Lviv. We have had an opportunity to explore Ukraine's rich culture and exchange ideas on important topics. 

I am committed to expanding our work together and exploring ways in which we can learn from each other"  

The Lviv region, known as an 'Oblast', is found in the west of Ukraine, with seven districts or 'Raions' and 84 seats on the regional council. This exactly mirrors the seven districts and 84 county councillors found in Norfolk.  

Councillor Stuart Dark, Chairman Norfolk County Council, said: 

"It has been an insightful and humbling experience to learn more about life and the political process in Ukraine. They are living through extraordinary circumstances but there is still so much we have in common." 

"Norfolk opened its arms to those fleeing the war in Ukraine and, as a county, we should be proud of the work we have done to build on this relationship." 

Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director at Norwich Theatre said:  

"We are deeply honoured to have been the first venue of this tour, which is a symbol of musical solidarity with our friends in Ukraine. 

"We are now living in a more disparate world, and the role of the arts has never been more vital. It offers a powerful means of expression, healing and resilience as well as fostering community and promoting cultural understanding.  

"Norfolk has well and truly thrown its arms around those fleeing Ukraine, and I am proud that we, as a Theatre of Sanctuary, have been able to play a small part by offering our creative spaces as a place for communities to gather and connect." 

The visit follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Norfolk and Lviv in May this year. 

Both regions continue to explore areas of cooperation in key sectors and cultural exchange. As part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Norfolk has hosted over 600 people.