A new initiative: 'Cities of Friendship' (03/07/04)

A new initiative: 'Cities of Friendship'

by Ambassador Mykhailo Reznik

Twelve years ago, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and Ukraine knew little about each other but started searching for a means to fill this void. Many of us will never forget that exciting moment when the borders of Ukraine were opened and our two countries began to discover each other, when our citizens started to establish acquaintances, communications and friendships.

During the past 12 years these contacts have evolved. Thousands of Ukrainian students have studied in the United States. Thousands of Americans have had an opportunity to experience first hand the hospitality and warmth of Ukrainian families. Thousands of children affected by Chornobyl have benefited from the medical care they received in the United States. Hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers and others from non-governmental organizations have left a little part of themselves in Ukraine, and some have even decided to remain in Ukraine permanently.

These years have been filled with joys and disappointments on both sides. Nonetheless, during this time of transition it was grass-roots initiatives that contributed greatly to the strengthening of Ukrainian-American relations. In my opinion, now the time has come to be receptive to new opportunities. That is why the Embassy of Ukraine has decided to launch a new initiative that we are calling "Cities of Friendship."

We would be glad to hear from Americans who have hosted Ukrainian children and from universities that have enabled Ukrainian students to obtain scholarships. Ultimately, we are interested in establishing contact with all citizens of the United States who are interested in helping Ukraine.

Why? First of all, we wish to express our appreciation and gratitude. Secondly, the Embassy is hoping to expand relationships between partners on the level of cities and educational institutions of our two countries.

We dream of the day when every Ukrainian city and town will have an American sister city. We aspire to bring Ukrainian-American "people-to-people diplomacy" to a new higher level. We ask for your cooperation.

At this time, only a few Ukrainian cities have a partner in the United States. Some of these existing partners could serve as examples; others could benefit from an infusion of new ideas and new people who would be willing to contribute and strengthen the relationships that already exist. Still others could plant the seeds for the beginnings of friendships that will ultimately result in the development of new sister cities. At present such cities as Chernihiv, Lutsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Zhytomyr are without partners, but are eager to establish such relationships. We see in this a huge potential that has yet to be tapped. This potential is people who are willing to become involved. We, for our part, are standing by to aid you in this effort.

Our plan is rather simple.

Step 1: Let us know of your interest.

Step 2: We will provide you with a list of, and information about Ukrainian cities that have expressed interest in such contacts.

Step 3: In cooperation with you, we will jointly approach U.S.-based city administrations with our proposals and request.

Please feel free to contact our volunteer at the Embassy at cwsony@yahoo.com; or our embassy personnel, Oleksander Scherba at scherba@ukremb.com and Natalia Holub at holub@ukrebm.com. Please enter "Cities of Friendship" in the subject line of your message.

Mykhailo Reznik is Ukraine's ambassador to the United States.

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