On December 4, 2024 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko met with a delegation of the French City Hall headed by Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo.

Olexander Mischenko expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid, comprehensive support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people since the first days of the full-scale Russian invasion, as well as for the refuge provided to Ukrainians temporarily staying in France.

The Deputy Minister noted the significant contribution of the Paris City Council to the preparation and warm welcome of Ukrainian athletes who participated in Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Firm stance of the Mayor of Paris against participation of athletes from the aggressor country and Belarus in international competitions was especially noted. 

In addition, the French capital's mayor's office promoted several events in Paris to support Ukrainian children, artists and musicians, athletes, local governments from Ukraine etc. Some of these events were organized under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. 

The parties also agreed on the prospects for further strengthening intercity and interregional cooperation and implementing joint cultural and artistic projects. In this regard, special attention was paid to the development of Ukrainian-French cooperation in the field of cultural diplomacy as a soft power tool to promote a favorable image of Ukraine in time of war, preserve country’s cultural heritage, and influence international relations through art. 

Olexandr Mischenko expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation with the Mayor's office in support of Ukrainian projects aimed at countering Russian disinformation and propaganda.

For her part, Anne Hidalgo reaffirmed the Paris City Hall's unwavering support for the efforts of Ukrainian diplomacy in countering Russian aggression and expressed her deep respect for the people of Ukraine, who are defending not only Ukraine, but European values and the future of the whole Europe.