Hertfordshire County Council has signed a new partnership agreement with the Sumy region of Ukraine, strengthening ties between the county and one of the areas hardest hit by the ongoing conflict.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by local leaders at the International Summit of Cities and Regions in Kyiv this week and sets out plans for closer collaboration across a range of sectors, including education, the economy, science and technology, agriculture, energy, humanitarian aid and environmental sustainability.

The agreement aims to encourage knowledge sharing, educational and trade exchanges, and create opportunities for investment and cooperation between Hertfordshire and the north-eastern Ukrainian region.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, who signed the agreement on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, said the partnership would help turn "shared ambition into a framework for delivery".

He said: "Our county has a proud history of international partnership and collaboration, and I am delighted to deepen our ties still further with the Sumy region in Ukraine.

"By signing this agreement, we are turning shared ambition into a framework for delivery. We are working together to create a meaningful and lasting impact."

Council leader Steve Jarvis said the partnership would support Ukraine's recovery while also creating opportunities for organisations across Hertfordshire.

He said: "I am honoured that we in Hertfordshire can be part of the road to recovery for Ukraine, whilst also helping our businesses, charities and educational institutions at home.

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"Hertfordshire residents continue to support Ukraine in the Homes for Ukraine scheme and in so many other ways. This agreement takes it one step further, into a more lasting shared commitment to partnership, progress, and practical action together."

The agreement formalises a relationship that has developed over several years between Hertfordshire and the Sumy region. The county has supported humanitarian efforts in the area, including sending aid trucks to Ukraine, with the most recent deliveries taking place during this week's visit and earlier this year with support from volunteers at Herts Fullstop and partner organisations.

Oleh Hryhorov, Head of the Sumy Regional State Administration and Regional Military Administration, welcomed the agreement.

He said: "This memorandum is a blueprint for practical action. Despite the daily challenges on the frontline, the Sumy region is focused on recovery and development. We deeply value Hertfordshire's solidarity, support, and trust."

The announcement comes four years after the first Ukrainian refugees arrived in Hertfordshire following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since then, more than 2,700 Ukrainians have been welcomed into the county through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with more than 1,100 Hertfordshire residents acting as hosts.

County council officials said they are continuing to seek residents willing to provide "rematch" hosting for Ukrainians already living in the UK who need a new place to stay.

For more information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, visit Hertfordshire County Council's Ukraine support webpages.