Kiev, Hamburg establish city partnership to strengthen ties

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko and the mayor of the northern German city of Hamburg have launched a strategic partnership, reported dpa.

The two cities aim to strengthen ties in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Klitschko and Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher signed a "pact for solidarity and the future" in their respective cities on Sunday.

The two mayors called on individuals, companies and institutions in Hamburg and Kiev to support the partnership, with the focus primarily being on humanitarian aid during a first phase.

In a second phase, economic, cultural and social relations are to be strengthened.

Klitschko and his brother Vladimir have close ties with Hamburg, where both once launched their international boxing careers.

Klitschko's wife Natalia recently participated in protests held in Hamburg against Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.