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European cohesion and solidarity - this is the main topic during the visit of Mayor Belit Onay and the Hanoverian delegation

"We are happy to have a partner whose solidarity and support we can always count on. Also this time Hanover did not hesitate to help," said Jacek Jaśkowiak, the mayor of Poznań. "In March, room equipment for Ukrainian women and men fleeing the war has been handed over to us. I would like to thank the residents and authorities of Hanover for their support. For me, this is the most important element of our cooperation, which does not take place on paper, but on an interpersonal level."

European cohesion and solidarity - this is the main topic during the visit of Mayor Belit Onay and the Hanover delegation, which also includes officials and councillors of Poznań's partner city. The guests arrived at the capital of Wielkopolska on Monday, May 9, to learn about the reception and integration of people with refugee experience from Ukraine. Grzegorz Ganowicz, the chairman of the Poznań City Council and Iwona Matuszczak- Szulc, the director of the City Development and Foreign Relations Department, were waiting for them at the station.

"I am glad that we can welcome you and share our experience concerning taking in Ukrainian citizens who are fleeing from Russian aggression," said Grzegorz Ganowicz, chairman of the city council, who welcomed the mayor of Hanover on behalf of the Poznań authorities. "We estimate that currently there are about 40,000 of them in Poznań."

The guests visited the reception point at the Poznań International Fair, where people from Ukraine can come to receive help. There, they learned the details concerning the reception and relocation of refugees but also

learned more about the help that the City of Poznań offers not only on the spot, but also in Ukraine.

"I am impressed by everything that has been done in Poznań, I am glad that today we are able to see it," said Belit Onay, the mayor of Hanover. "During talks with the mayor of Poznań as well as the representatives of the City Council and the City Hall, we will discuss further actions in the field of cooperation in the face of the terrible war in Ukraine. The city of Hanover stands firmly on the side of Poznań. We are all Europeans and now, more than ever, we must stand together in defence of democracy and human rights."

Then, the guests from Germany went to ul. Dożynkowa, where the Centre for Refugees of the University of Economics is located - that is where they have been welcomed by representatives of the university authorities.

The delegation also visited the urban point at ul. Bukowska 27/29. That is where Ukrainians, who chose Poznań to take refuge from the war, are able to take part in a Polish language course, take advantage of the help offered by lawyers and therapists, as well as pick up food packages (they are given out twice a week, on Wednesdays and Thursdays). That is also where an information point is operating, which is open from Monday to Friday between 14 and 18 as well as on Saturdays between 10 and 15.

On Europe Day, the visit also focused on equality, diversity, and the rights of the LGBTQ community. Experiences related to anti-discrimination programs implemented in Poznań and Hanover were exchanged. The situation of women and queer refugees from Ukraine was also discussed. In the future, Hanover and Poznań want to cooperate more closely in favour of human rights as well as an equal and diverse society. The meetings are intended to constitute a basis for strengthening cooperation between the administration of both cities and civil society.

Hanover helps Poznań

In March, Hanover immediately responded to a call for support from Jacek Jaśkowiak, the mayor of Poznań. Coaches with 600 beds, bedding, hygiene and cosmetic packages, as well as a truck with 7 tons of gifts arrived in the capital of Wielkopolska. The items helped to create better conditions for refugees from Ukraine. The beds have been used in

accommodation points - including in the hall belonging to the University of Economics at ul. Dożynkowa.

Furthermore, the Hanoverian fire brigade brought to Poznań aid items (food), which have been collected by the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover.

AW