Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of Melitopol, has visited Teesside to discuss and compare plans for developing industrial and employment opportunities in the future.
Matt Vickers MP joined Ben Houchen and MPs from across Teesside in hosting Ivan Fedorov, the Mayor of Melitopol, Ukraine on his visit to Teesside.
The visit focused on regeneration to secure new investment and create new opportunity, jobs, and prosperity.
The visit began by exploring the similarities between Melitopol and Teesside as big industrial players with big plans for the future, with a tour around the Teesworks site.
Mayor Ivan Federov signed an Agreement of Co-operation and Solidarity between the two places, as a pledge that each area will support and learn from one another to aid their future development.
The Mayor also met Ukrainian families who have been offered refuge in Teesside from the ongoing conflict at the Riverside in Middlesbrough.
Speaking after the visit, Matt Vickers said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see Teesside united in our solidarity for Ukraine.
“This has been a difficult time for the people of Ukraine. It’s positive to have a visit where we can begin to look forward to the future, and the regeneration of Ukraine, which I hope brought some hope to our Ukrainian residents.
“Teesside has many similarities to Melitopol’s proud history of industry and I look forward to learning from Ivan Fedorov, who throughout it all remains driven to deliver on his priorities for the people of Melitopol.”
