The mayor of the Belgian city of Ghent, vice-president of the Eurocities association Mathias De Klerk joined the Second International Summit of Cities and Regions. He noted that he is proud to be in Ukraine and to see how it develops and recovers.
“I was really shocked by the destruction and the brutal carnage that Russia caused. But I’m also very proud to see the growth and recovery that’s happening over these two years. What is important is that I saw what cruelty is, what murder is. It was very emotional for me,” emphasized Mathias De Klerk.
During his visit to Ukraine, the mayor of Ghent visited Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka and Moschun. He also met with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk.
“We had a meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Stefanchuk. He talked about the needs that arose due to attacks on the energy infrastructure, medical needs. And I think that’s an important message. I have already contacted the hospitals in Ghent to possibly do some exchange. It is very important. And we will ask for this from all the mayors of our European cities of the Eurocities network,” said Mathias De Klerk.
According to him, the residents of the city of Ghent help Ukraine in every possible way. In particular, a village was created in which Ukrainian refugees were settled. Laptops and firefighting equipment were also sent.
Cooperation also continues within the Eurocities association. In particular, the “Generators of Hope” program is implemented.
“Together with Eurocities, we conducted the “Generators of Hope” campaign. More than 500 generators were sent to Ukraine. We also have a new initiative. The project is called “Sun for Ukraine”, it will be implemented in 10 cities of Ukraine for recovery in the medical and infrastructure spheres. So we are doing everything we can,” said the vice-president of the association.
Mathias De Klerk also emphasized that currently the residents of Ghent and Belgium in general are “committed to helping Ukraine.”
“It is very important that we gathered at the Summit and received messages about the situation in Ukraine. And now we will return to our cities to say: “Continue to support Ukraine.” For example, my son is now 12 years old, and my daughter is 11 years old. And when we talk to children, they don’t talk about France, Germany or Great Britain. They talk about Ukraine, about the bravery of people. You won hearts. So when you win, you will win everyone’s hearts,” says Mathias De Klerk.
See more in the video at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IehwE6R-6bo
