Last week an agreement on the twinning between Kedainiai district (Lithuania) and Melitopol, Zaporozhye region (Ukraine) was signed.

The document was signed by the Kedainiai Mayor Rimantas Diliunas and Melitopol Mayor Sergiy Valter. The agreement states that the parties will develop their relations on the basis of friendship, trust, mutual respect, equality, partnership and mutual benefit. Cooperation, in particular, will be implemented in the following areas: business, infrastructure development and self-government, environment and energy, cultural exchanges, cooperation in sports and education, youth meetings, and students and tourism.

 The Parties shall support the exchange of knowledge, ideas, contacts between the residents and the cooperation between public, social organizations, unions and associations. Kedainiai area as a twin city of Melitopol, according to the Mayor Sergiy Valter, was selected due to the similar infrastructure and industry. In addition to chemical and food companies production of agricultural machinery and spare parts launched in Kedainiai. Also Zaporizhzhya Regional State Administration and Kaunas County have signed an agreement �on trade-economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation� in 2005.

- It is appreciated that you have seen a partner in our city - said Rimantas Diliunas - I am sure that our relations will develop and we will share experiences and enrich both communities.

Lithuanian delegation also included the Head of the Kedainiai District Administration Romualdas Galiun and Chief of the General Department at the administration of the Kedainiai District Egidijus Grigatis.

- Speaking of the collaboration we mean intangible investment. Our regions have much in common and the cooperation should be mutually beneficial, - said Melitopol Mayor Sergiy Valter. In the near future representatives of Melitopol and their Lithuanian colleagues will discuss more specifically the form of sister city relations. At the end of the meeting Melitopolians have received an invitation to the 640 anniversary of the city of K?dainiai.