As part of the Congress of Mayors, Xavier Melki, mayor of Franconville-la-Garenne and regional councilor of Île-de-France, welcomed Yuriy Fomichev, mayor of Slavutych, for a day of sharing and discovery, organized with the support of Stand With Ukraine and its Ukrainian partner Cities4Cities.

The meeting, held on Monday, November 18, 2024, began with a meeting at the Town Hall, where the two mayors discussed the challenges and priorities of their municipalities. Yuriy Fomichev had the opportunity to visit several iconic sites in Franconville, including the park of Cadet de Vaux, the police station, the conservatory, and the Ludivine Furnon sports complex. These visits allowed for the sharing of ideas regarding municipal infrastructures and local facility management.

The day continued with a lunch attended by several municipal officials, including Marie Naivin, chief of staff; Didier Bohbot, director of the Attractiveness and Cohesion division; and Camille Lazare, in charge of twinning initiatives. These discussions explored collaboration opportunities and laid the foundations for a structured partnership between Franconville and Slavutych.

This meeting reflects Franconville’s commitment to strengthen Franco-Ukrainian relations and support Slavutych in its reconstruction efforts while promoting cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. Xavier Melki praised the resilience and determination of the people of Slavutych, while Yuriy Fomichev expressed his gratitude for the support provided by Franconville and its elected officials.

Thanks to the support of Stand With Ukraine and Cities4Cities, this partnership promises to become a practical example of international solidarity.