On February 4, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with the delegation of the Saint-Étienne Métropole led by Mayor of Saint-Étienne (France) Gaël Perdriau.

The parties discussed the prospects for intensifying interregional cooperation, drawing investment and technological capabilities of the city of Saint-Étienne for the implementation of reconstruction projects of Ukrainian infrastructure affected by Russian aggression, as well as the development of partnerships at municipal level.

The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude to the French Republic for its comprehensive support for Ukraine in the context of the Russian aggression.

“We highly appreciate not only France’s military and humanitarian assistance, but also the willingness of French partners to contribute to the restoration of Ukrainian cities, in particular at the level of interregional cooperation,” - Mrs. Mariana Betsa stressed.

The parties confirmed their readiness to further promote the development of new partnerships between regions and cities of the two countries, as well as cooperation in the fields of education and culture. The Mayor of Saint-Étienne expressed his interest in expanding the network of interregional partnerships, including with the Luhansk Regional Military Administration and cities Popasna and Starobilsk.