Victoria and Grodzisk Mazowiecki sign twinning agreement |26 February 2024

The virtual signing between Victoria’s Acting Mayor Lydia Charie and Grzegorz Benedykciński, Mayor of Grodzisk Mazowiecki (Photos: Contributed)

Seychelles’ city of Victoria and the City of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, in Poland have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide a framework for their mutual aspiration to further enhance the existing ties of cooperation.

The virtual signing between Victoria’s Acting Mayor, Lydia Charie and Grzegorz Benedykciński, Mayor of Grodzisk Mazowiecki, took place during the course of last week.

The acting mayor of Victoria described it as an important milestone in the long-standing and multi-faceted partnership between Seychelles and Poland – a relationship that started with the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 12, 1979. 

Mrs Charlie said despite being different and far from each other, the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) means they value those differences that will bring more prosperity to both countries. 

“Through this memorandum of understanding, our two cities will aim to develop and cultivate stronger, cultural, social and economic ties through the exchange of best practices, coordination of mutual activities and undertaking of projects deemed beneficial by both parties,” said Mrs Charlie.

She added that geographically and historically, Seychelles and Poland are different with one being a small island nation while the other the fifth-most populous country in Europe and the ninth largest country in Europe. However, they have many things in common.

Through their negotiations, the two cities have already identified various areas for collaboration. “These include culture, science and technology, sports, tourism, environment, city development, tourism, health, and education whilst at the same time, committed to the promotion of the city of Grodzisk Mazowiecki and the city of Victoria,” said Mrs Charlie.

“I am confident that with the signing of the memorandum of understanding, we will see closer people-to-people ties between the citizens of Victoria and Grodzisk Mazowiecki. We can achieve a higher purpose,” she added.

She also commended the joint efforts and hard work of the foreign affairs ministries of both countries, for their meticulous and diligent work in negotiating and concluding this document.

Compiled by Patsy Canaya