Today, on October 2, an online meeting took place between the Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandieiev and the Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Antonio Tajani, along with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ukraine Pier Francesco Zazo.
Among the participants were also Stefano Boeri, the President of the University of Milan, Deputy Head of the Odesa Regional State Administration Serhiy Kropyva, the Mayor of the city of Odesa, Hennadii Trukhanov, and others.
Italy, with its unique experience in the field of restoration, is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, Italy supports Ukraine on its path towards EU accession.
Immediately following the russian attack on Odessa, which resulted in a missile strike damaging the Transfiguration Cathedral and other buildings in the historic center of the city, Italy offered its support and assistance. Genoa, being a sister city to Odesa, and with Italian architects having participated in the construction of the Transfiguration Cathedral in the 18th century, has a special connection to the city.
“We are very close to Ukraine, and Odesa is an important city for us. We want to participate in the protection of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The work we will undertake has both economic and cultural aspects. Italians certainly know how to handle this. We will prepare detailed work plans and, together with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, draft the necessary documents outlining our intentions. This project will involve the best Italian companies,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic Antonio Tajani.
He also added that the Milan Triennale and the National Museum of Rome will be involved in the project.
“We thank the Italian government for the dialogue. We are delighted that Italy’s business sector and key cultural institutions are joining it. For us, it is important not only for financial support but also for the professional involvement of restorers and cultural managers. This is the guarantee of the result we all aim to achieve. It is not just the restored historic center of Odesa but also well-organized tourism activities,” said the Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandieiev.
He thanked the people of Italy for their support and great solidarity from the very beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This includes, among other things, their warm attitude towards displaced persons from Ukraine.
Thanks to Italian support, the nomination dossier “Historic Center of the Port City of Odesa” has been prepared for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
