The President of Germany urges Zelensky to carry out twinning between German and Ukrainian cities

MADRID, 26 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, met Tuesday night in kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodimir Zelenski, whom he urged to carry out the twinning of German and Ukrainian cities.

After having visited kyiv and having met with the mayor of the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, the German head of state met with Zelensky to show the Germans' support for the Ukrainians during the Russian invasion of their country.

"Germans and Ukrainians stand side by side. We share common European values ​​-- freedom and democracy -- and a deep sense of solidarity in times of war caused by Russia's brutal and illegal aggression against Ukraine," Steinmeier said during a joint press conference with Zelensky.

In this sense, the German president has underlined the importance of municipal associations being "at the center" of bilateral cooperation, a milestone that he has described as "an indispensable part of a vibrant Europe of civil society, good governance and local democracy" .

"After the end of World War II, the municipal associations helped to unite a divided Europe and promote peaceful cooperation. After Russia returned the war to the European continent, the municipal associations now show strength in a new way," he said. Steinmeier to the Ukrainian president.

These municipal associations, according to the German head of state, would allow specific, stable and rapid aid deliveries and the supply of essential goods, and would promote "the exchange of experiences" contributing to the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president thanked Steinmeier for the German cooperation in the field of security, economy, social development, energy, for humanitarian interaction and cooperation at the international level, in particular in the structures of the European Union and the UN.

"Germany's contribution to Ukraine's movement towards peace and the restoration of our territorial integrity is significant. Today we held important negotiations with Mr. President, which fully correspond to such relations between our states," Zelensky said during the conference. press.

He also thanked Germany for providing Ukraine with the IRIS-T air defense system, which, according to Zelensky, "has proven to be very good at protecting the sky and saving people."

"It's really a priority today, we all feel it. I hope we can get some more suitable systems in the near future," Ukraine's leader said, calling for more artillery systems, armored vehicles and "other weapons."

"I thank Germany for a clear signal to the political and business world that the reconstruction of Ukraine and investments in our country are the reconstruction and development of a future member of the European Union. I also appreciate Germany's willingness to continue helping us to maintain energy sustainability," added Zelensky.