It follows the County Council resolution in July this year to develop and deepen co-operation between the county of Kent and the region in the north of the country, which shares a border with Belarus and Russia.
Roger Gough travelled there with Jordan Meade, KCC Member for Gravesend East, who has been to Ukraine a number of times since the Russian invasion to help deliver aid donated by Kent residents and businesses. In accordance with the policy that this cooperation activity is at no cost to the council taxpayer, both councillors travelled at their own expense.
The siege of Chernihiv began on 24 February 2022, as part of the northern Ukraine offensive, when devastating war crimes were inflicted on the population together with significant structural damage.
“This collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise, from the economy, to education, agriculture and technology, is the start of a commitment to help Ukraine rebuild in peace.”
The MOU, designed to build on existing initiatives in humanitarian support to explore the transfer of knowledge, cultural and educational exchange and business opportunities, was signed by Viacheslav Chaus, Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, and by Roger Gough and Jordan Meade on behalf of KCC.
Both KCC and Chernihiv Region have said there is a lot to be gained and learned through the new networks being forged. Now the MOU has been signed between Kent and Chernihiv, KCC will be seeking the involvement of businesses, organisations and volunteers from across the county to help deliver the objectives of this historic partnership.
Roger Gough said: "I am delighted to have been able to visit Chernihiv Region, to see and learn about the extraordinary experience and resilience of its people in confronting a war of aggression, and to sign the Memorandum of Understanding to establish collaboration and partnership between our regions.
“This MOU cements that spirit of friendship and cooperation and will strengthen the links between Kent and Chernihiv.
“This collaboration and sharing of knowledge and expertise, from the economy, to education, agriculture and technology, is the start of a commitment to help Ukraine rebuild in peace. We stand with the people of Chernihiv to find a path to a stronger and brighter future.”
Roger Gough and Jordan Meade visited a school basement in the village of Yahidne and were told by survivors of the horrors of what happened there during the Russian occupation in 2022
In a letter to Roger Gough, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, offered his thanks to the people of Kent on behalf of his country.
He added: “From the outset, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Kent County Council for its steadfast support of the people of Ukraine during these challenging times. The people of Kent have demonstrated remarkable solidarity, from fundraising efforts to warmly welcoming Ukrainians into their homes.
“Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, our countries and peoples have grown ever closer. The agreement on signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the regions of Chernihiv and Kent marks a significant step forward in developing a more permanent bond between the two regions.”
Solidarity across the 1,500 miles: The Kentish flag in Chernihiv to demonstrate the strong bonds of friendship
Kent County Councillor Jordan Meade said: “I was very proud to join The Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough, and Mr Chaus in signing a comprehensive agreement that bonds our regions in friendship and solidarity.
“Since the start of my humanitarian visits to Ukraine, I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people and businesses of Kent, who have donated items ranging from children’s books to medical supplies.
“With a cooperation agreement now signed, we will be able to move forward in maximising the efforts of countless businesses, groups and individuals across our regions who are keen to continue to support Chernihiv and Ukraine at this profoundly difficult time.”
Mr Chaus added: "Our regions have a lot in common. I hope this will become the basis for a mutually beneficial cooperation. Thank you for this opportunity and for your support! There are many challenges. These are security, education, medicine, business and culture. And everywhere Great Britain is our reliable partner."
Further information
Read more about the Memorandum Of Understanding here: Cooperation agreement with Ukraine's Chernihiv region will foster important relationships - News & Features - Kent County Council
