Kalisz
The partnership between Kamianets-Podilskyi and Kalisz is one of the longest-standing areas of international cooperation of the Kamianets-Podilskyi community. The official partnership agreement was signed on 18 June 1993 in Kamianets-Podilskyi and on 20 April 1994 in Kalisz. Thus, cooperation between the two cities has a history spanning more than 30 years.
Long-Standing Municipal Dialogue
Over the years, an important component of the partnership has been mutual visits by representatives of local government authorities, the exchange of experience, and participation in joint events. Such meetings contribute to maintaining an ongoing dialogue and developing new areas of cooperation.
In particular, in 2017, a delegation from Kalisz visited Kamianets-Podilskyi on the occasion of the City Day celebrations, while in 2019, representatives of Kamianets-Podilskyi visited Kalisz to mark the 25th anniversary of official contacts. During these meetings, the parties discussed the further development of the partnership and opportunities for deepening cooperation between the two communities.
Humanitarian Support During the War
Following the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the partnership acquired new practical significance. Kalisz supported Kamianets-Podilskyi by providing humanitarian aid. According to official information from the City of Kalisz, several shipments of essential goods were sent to Kamianets-Podilskyi, including food, medicines, clothing, and household cleaning products. The total amount of aid reported by the Kalisz municipal authorities was 47.5 tonnes.
In 2022, the Kalisz authorities also emphasised maintaining regular contact with Kamianets-Podilskyi and continuing their support for their Ukrainian partners. It was also noted that several shipments of humanitarian aid and two buses had been sent to Kamianets-Podilskyi.
35 Years of Friendship and Partnership
An important event in the recent stage of cooperation was the 35th anniversary of the partnership, which was commemorated in Kalisz on 24–27 October 2024. A delegation from Kamianets-Podilskyi took part in the official celebrations marking the long-standing partnership between Kalisz, Kamianets-Podilskyi, and the British city of Preston. During the visit, representatives of Kamianets-Podilskyi met with the Mayor of Kalisz, Krystian Kinastowski.
The anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the long history of cooperation but also to discuss the further development of relations between the communities.
Cooperation between Kamianets-Podilskyi and Kalisz has a long history and encompasses municipal, educational, cultural, youth, tourism, and humanitarian contacts. Years of mutual visits and joint initiatives have contributed to establishing strong and lasting ties between representatives of the two communities.
The partnership has acquired particular significance in the context of the full-scale war, when Kalisz provided substantial humanitarian assistance to Kamianets-Podilskyi. The existing contacts provide a solid foundation for the further development of friendly relations, the exchange of experience, and the implementation of joint initiatives.