‘Friendship Link’ with Kimry suspended
The Borough of Eastleigh has a dormant Friendship link with Kimry in Russia that has not been active for ten years.
Following Vladimir Putin’s deplorable decision to invade Ukraine, Eastleigh Borough, through the civic office of the Mayor and the Borough’s Twinning Association, is suspending its friendship link with the Russian town of Kimry.
This decision has been triggered by the actions of the Russian government. It is not a reflection of our views of the Russian people – many of whom stand in brave opposition to the invasion.
The friendship link stems from the Borough’s long-established twinning relationship with Kornwestheim in Germany (who are twinned with Kimry.) This type of arrangement is common for boroughs, towns and cities across the UK and is aimed at fostering friendship and understanding between regions and nations.
This cultural relationship, although dormant for a number of years, dates back to 2010 and promotes greater understanding of tradition, culture and achievements.
There is no commercial or trade element involved in with Kimry, or the Russian State. One energy contract, inherited by the Council through the purchase of a private sector retail unit, has already been discontinued.
Last week, the Mayor of Eastleigh Councillor Cynthia Garton voiced her support for Ukraine as she raised the Ukrainian flag in Eastleigh