Mayors of Mariupol, Brussels discuss reconstruction of Ukrainian city

Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko and Brussels Mayor Philippe Close have discussed options for cooperation in matters of reviving Mariupol after the city is liberated from Russian forces.

The Mariupol City Council reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

"The mayor of Mariupol, Vadym Boichenko, met with the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, during his working trip to Belgium. They discussed options for cooperation in matters of reviving Mariupol after its de-occupation and implementation of the Mariupol Reborn Plan," the report reads.

Boichenko said that the reconstruction of Mariupol is a historical challenge not only to Ukraine but also to the whole of Europe.

"The city, which became a symbol of the devastating Russian war, may turn into a symbol of victory and unity of the whole world in its struggle for peace, freedom and democracy. For the sake of this future, we are working on the development of the Mariupol Reborn City Revival Plan. Around it, we are forming a circle of revival teams, where we will be happy to see Brussels,"Boichenko said.

He added that the leading experience of Brussels and its expertise would help build a new Mariupol.