Next year, Odesa and Gdansk will celebrate 35 years of their partnership. In spring, a large festive concert and other activities are planned in Gdansk as part of the «Odesa Pays a Visit» project.
During the visit to the sister city, the Odesa delegation discussed the details of the cultural program and organizational aspects.
A key focus was on enhancing professional cooperation. At the invitation of the Polish side, the Odesa delegation participated in the international exhibition BALEXPO 2025, where significant topics included port infrastructure, logistics, and innovations.

«This was a great opportunity to showcase the potential of our community and confirm our commitment to work together with European partners,» stated Olena Zakarchenko-Netuzhilova, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Culture, and Marketing.

During the meetings, they discussed:

• expanding partnership ties;
• sharing experiences in euro-integration;
• joint project development for funding opportunities;
• inter-municipal cooperation and the creation of functional territories;
• Ukrainian practices in civil protection during wartime.

«Partnership with Odesa is about trust, joint initiatives, and the desire to move forward together,» emphasized Gdansk Deputy Mayor Piotr Grzelak.

Gdansk is a port city on the Baltic coast of Poland with a rich history and multicultural heritage. Like Odesa, it boasts maritime trade, architectural beauty, dramatic historical events, and a spirit of renewal.