Zaporizhzhia and Birmingham: marking the 50th twinning anniversary with a new partnership

In 1973, Zaporizhzhia concluded a historic twinning agreement with Birmingham, UK. Unfortunately, the partnership existed only on paper for a while and did not result in joint projects.

However, the fiftieth anniversary of twinning has become a start of qualitatively new cooperation — between modern Zaporizhzhia and Birmingham. No doubt, both cities have changed significantly over the past half-century. Furthermore, re-establishing twinning relations takes place in a dramatically changed context, with both parties considering new challenges, as well as the needs and opportunities of the two cities.

During their first video meeting in June, officials of Zaporizhzhia and Birmingham city councils signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding and discussed possible areas of cooperation. The future action plan, which is currently in progress, will include cultural exchanges, educational and scientific projects, tourism and environmental activities.

What is exciting, the first step to official communication between the municipalities was the initiative of representatives of the active Zaporizhzhia community in Birmingham.

Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian military aggression against Ukraine, Birmingham has given shelter to about six hundred Ukrainians, including many citizens of Zaporizhzhia.

We look forward to starting new projects with the city of Birmingham.