Portugal’s Heartfelt Support for Ukraine
Lagos and Pivdenne: A Pact of Solidarity and Cultural Exchange
In a powerful display of international solidarity, the picturesque Portuguese municipality of Lagos recently forged a significant bond with Pivdenne, a Ukrainian city in the Odesa region. On August 23rd, an official cooperation agreement was signed, marking a deep commitment to friendship and mutual support, particularly vital during Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
The agreement, formalised at the Paços do Concelho Séc. XXI Auditorium, saw a distinguished gathering, including the municipal executive of Lagos (for more information, visit the Municipality of Lagos), President Volodymyr Novatskyi of Pivdenne, and the Ukrainian Ambassador, Maryna Mykhailenko. This event underscores the unwavering support that Lagos, and indeed Portugal as a whole, has extended to Ukraine.
Why Pivdenne?
Pivdenne, previously known as Yuzhne, was identified as the most suitable partner for this pact due to several shared characteristics with Lagos, such as a maritime identity, tourist appeal, rich historical heritage, and population density. Crucially, Lagos is also home to an active Ukrainian community, with whom the municipality has been actively cooperating since the onset of the war in Eastern Europe.
The initial steps towards this intermunicipal cooperation were taken earlier in 2024, at the initiative of Pivdenne, and were strongly reinforced by the Ukrainian Ambassador during her tour of the Algarve. The protocol received approval from the Câmara in July, leading to this historic signing by the presidents of both municipalities.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values and Support
The new partnership is designed to foster extensive collaboration, including:
- The development of cultural and educational exchanges.
- The implementation of joint projects.
- A deepening of the spirit of tolerance and solidarity.
- The promotion of economic and social development.
Hugo Pereira, the Mayor of Lagos, articulated the profound importance of this protocol, stating that beyond shared learning, it would be crucial in “helping in the recovery at all levels, in this case of the city of Pivdenne, contributing to free, once and for all, Ukraine, and re-establishing peace in the country”. This statement truly highlights the direct and committed nature of Lagos’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future peace.
President Volodymyr Novatskyi echoed this sentiment, emphasising how such initiatives provide strength to the Ukrainian community during wartime and offer pathways to develop friendship and build foundations for cooperation between the Portuguese and Ukrainian peoples. Ambassador Maryna Mykhailenko expressed immense satisfaction, noting that “the south of Ukraine is next to Lagos, in the south of Portugal,” and this partnership demonstrates that communities, even thousands of kilometres apart, share much in common and can build a better future together.
Tangible Acts of Inclusion and Heartfelt Solidarity
The commitment to supporting Ukraine goes beyond official documents in Lagos. On the very day of the signing:
- A new audio guide in Ukrainian was inaugurated at the Lagos Museum – Dr. José Formosinho. This thoughtful initiative promotes inclusion, allowing Ukrainian residents and visitors to more easily explore the local history, traditions, and culture.
- The ORANTA – Association for the Support of the Ukrainian Community in Portugal (learn more about ORANTA) played a significant role, recognised for its invaluable work in solidarity, integration, and promoting Ukrainian culture and traditions.
- Coinciding with the agreement, the 4th edition of the FELIZONDA festival (August 22-24) took place, once again celebrating the friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Perhaps one of the most moving moments of this period of cooperation was the ceremony for raising the flags of Ukraine and Portugal on Ukraine’s National Flag Day (August 23). This poignant event, attended by all involved in the protocol, culminated with a Portuguese girl beautifully performing the Ukrainian National Anthem, a truly sincere gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
These gestures from Lagos, from the top levels of municipal government to the heartfelt actions of its community, clearly demonstrate a profound and ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through its challenges, reinforcing the spirit of friendship and shared humanity.
