The Mayor of Odessa, Gennady Trukhanov, and the Director of the Department of Culture, Ivan Liptuga, met with the first president of the Vienna Parliament, Mr. Ernst Woller, and Alena Sirka-Bred, the head of the Office of European and International Relations of Vienna.

For many years, Odessa and Vienna have nurtured fruitful partnerships and are currently enhancing their collaboration in the fields of culture and heritage preservation.

During the meeting, Mr. Woller shared insights on Vienna's experience in preserving architecture and monuments, as well as the management of the World Heritage site «Historic Centre of Vienna».

Ernst Woller emphasized the significance of historical preservation for future generations in every city.

Austria has navigated through challenging historical periods but has managed to retain its architecture, culture, and art, sometimes reinterpreting historical narratives while always honoring the achievements of previous generations.

«Vienna is rightly regarded as a global capital of culture and art, while also excelling in smart city innovation competitions», Mr. Woller noted.

Gennady Trukhanov remarked that Odessa is a Ukrainian city of culture, literature, and music, and highlighted the festival «Golden Violins of Odessa», which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

«It is very pleasing that our jubilee festival «Golden Violins of Odessa» will take place in the capital of Austria. The experience of Vienna in balancing heritage preservation and urban development is invaluable for Odessa as it develops practices in managing its world heritage amidst war», Gennady Trukhanov emphasized.