The Mayor of Bolton has welcomed the signing of a friendship agreement with Przemyśl, praising the city’s humanitarian response to the Ukraine conflict.
An exchange of friendship scrolls marks the start of the informal arrangement between Bolton and the historic Polish city.
Przemyśl (pronounced per-SHEM-ish) is twinned with Paderborn in Germany, one of Bolton’s two twin towns alongside Le Mans in France.
The city sits on Poland’s eastern border and has played a crucial role in welcoming refugees fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.
According to the British Red Cross, the city’s train station has become a vital transport hub for millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge in Poland or elsewhere in Europe.
In July 2022, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave Przemyśl the honorary title of “Rescuer City” in recognition of its work.
Like many towns in the North West, Bolton has strong existing connections with Poland and the Polish community.
Bolton has a well-established Polish diaspora dating back to the mid-20th Century as Poles escaping war in Europe settled in the UK.
A Polish delegation played a key part in Charles III’s visit to Bolton in 2023 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the town hall.
The King was keen to highlight the vital contribution that people of Polish heritage make to life in Bolton, Greater Manchester, and across Britain.
In a specially recorded video message to mark the friendship agreement with Przemyśl, the Mayor of Bolton Cllr David Chadwick said:
“For as long as there has been war, there have been communities willing to open their doors to provide shelter to the displaced.
“In that respect, Bolton and Przemyśl have a great deal in common and this friendship has a solid foundation in our shared values of openness, compassion and solidarity.
“The way your city has welcomed Ukrainian refugees is truly inspirational, and a great source of hope and optimism.
“As Mayor of Bolton it is my great privilege to sign this document recognising our agreement with Przemyśl and we look forward to many years of friendship ahead.”
The friendship agreement was approved at a meeting of full council in July.
At the same meeting, elected members also approved an agreement with Sumy in Ukraine, with scrolls of friendship due to be exchanged shortly.