The Mayor of Odessa, Gennady Trukhanov, met with representatives from Agence Française de Développement (AFD), led by CEO Mr. Rémi Riou, who has been at the helm since 2016.

During the ongoing war, AFD has intensified its activities in Ukraine, opening an office in Kyiv in 2024. Mr. Riou noted that direct collaboration with municipalities is a priority for the agency. The partnership with the Odessa City Council began last fall, and by February 2025, a Memorandum of Cooperation in the health sector was signed between France and Odessa, along with a Technical Support Agreement with City Hospital No. 1.

According to the agreement, a Mental Health Center will be established and equipped. The tender process has been completed, and documents are currently under review by the French side.

As stated by Mr. Riou, prior to the meeting at the city hall, he visited several medical facilities in Odessa and has planned visits to other hospitals. AFD is also interested in collaborating with the private sector. Traditionally, it implements projects aimed at stability and development, tackling poverty, and ensuring equality. The agency has already invested around 500 million euros in Ukraine and plans to increase investment volumes.

“France's support and your presence in Ukraine give hope to millions of citizens that we have a European future, and it is already taking shape. These are not just investments – they also represent moral support for Ukrainians, instilling confidence and providing strength to continue the fight,” Mayor Gennady Trukhanov expressed.

During the meeting, other social projects were also discussed, including attracting foreign capital for housing construction for internally displaced persons and developing transportation infrastructure.

As a token of gratitude, Gennady Trukhanov presented Mr. Rémi Riou with a statue of the Duke, expressing hopes for the historical significance of this meeting:

“We continue the legacy initiated by the first mayor of the city, the French Duke de Richelieu.”