A NEW understanding will see Somerset become more closely aligned with the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine.

Chair of Somerset Council, Mike Best, has visited the Ukrainian Embassy in London to sign a memorandum of understanding pledging the two areas to work together.

It comes after the council was approached by the Ukrainian Embassy to explore a non-legally binding cooperation agreement between Somerset and the region for an initial period of five years.

The relationship could lead to the two regions working together in the future in areas such as education, trade and more.

Cllr Best said: “This agreement is a positive step towards opening avenues of joint working that would previously have been difficult, as well as showing Somerset’s continued solidarity with Ukraine and sending a clear message of belonging to the Ukrainians who have sought refuge and been welcomed here.”

The Vinnytsia Oblast region on a map of Ukraine. Picture: Tubbs/Creative Commons

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said: “Today, we are witnessing a truly remarkable event — the establishment of a partnership between two important regions of Ukraine and the UK.

“I hope this marks the beginning of fruitful co-operation across all key areas.

“I express my sincere gratitude to our British partners and believe that our regions will become true friends.”

The Vinnytsia region, also known as Vinnytsia Oblast, shares much in common with Somerset. Both are in the south west of their countries, with economies based largely on agriculture, quarrying and electricity generation.

The administrative centre in the Ukrainian region, which has a population of some 1.5 million, is the city of Vinnytsia.

Relations between the two have seen Somerset Council work with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and college partners on how it can thrive.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to achieve knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, as well as encouraging inward investment opportunities between Vinnytsia Region and Somerset.

Currently, the relationship is being developed through a series of online meetings.