The links between Scotland and Catalonia were strengthened today in a meeting between Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond and the President of Catalonia Jose Montilla Aguilera, held in Barcelona's Palau de la Generalitat.
The First Minister and President Montilla discussed a range of economic, cultural and sporting opportunities for the two nations, and agreed a series of areas for future co-operation. The areas of collaboration between the two governments are:
Promotion of the Catalan economy in Scotland and the Scottish economy in Catalonia
Sharing of experience and knowledge of leaving a positive, lasting legacy from major sports events, particularly in the spheres of health, business, education, tourism, and promotion of the two nations
Co-operation, exchange of knowledge and sharing of ideas to achieve greater coverage and visibility of social and macroeconomic indicators for both nations in major statistical reports and worldwide economic institutions, such as Eurostat
Broadcasting - encouraging the sharing of expertise, best practice and programming between BBC Alba and the Catalan television channel, TV3
Cultural exchange focusing on the work of Gaudi and Mackintosh, with reciprocal events in Glasgow and Barcelona.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"There are so many opportunities for productive partnership between Scotland and Catalonia. We are two outward looking and ambitious nations and we have much we can learn from each other, including how to combat the worst effects of the current economic downturn.
"Today's meeting had a clear focus on the economy and we are determined to do more to encourage greater business engagement between our two countries and explore opportunities for further research collaboration. For example, we discussed our great strengths in life sciences.
"Like Catalonia, Scotland is also a nation with its own distinct culture, unique economic advantages and an independent sense of self. With Scotland's Year of Homecoming in 2009, I am particularly pleased to be strengthening our bonds of friendship by collaborating to build our strengths.
"Recognising and celebrating similarities can add depth to our knowledge and accelerate our understanding. By recognising the connections between Scotland and Catalonia, and committing to nurture them, we will encourage the development of both of our nations."
The First Minister and President Montilla also discussed the lasting legacies of the art nouveau architects Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Antoni Gaudi.
The First Minister took the opportunity to announce that the Glasgow School of Art are to commission a photographic exhibition on Gaudi and his contemporaries, to be displayed in Glasgow. The First Minister said:
"Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Antoni Gaudi represent a long-standing architectural bond between Scotland and Catalonia. Both are recognised masters who have come to form a vital part of the cities in which they lived. It is wonderful that Catalans will be able to enjoy the work of Mackintosh in Barcelona while Scots can admire a Gaudi exhibition in Glasgow."
After the meeting, President Montilla said:
"My meeting with the First Minister was very useful and informative in terms of exploring how both governments are trying to fight against global economic troubles and recession.
"I explained the details of the package of measures that the Catalan Government has put in place over recent months to give priority support to people who are losing their jobs and to families that are suffering the consequences of the economical crisis. We also discussed the measures being taken to help companies and industries that are in trouble, such as the building sector and vehicle makers."
During the meeting, which also involved the Vice-President of Catalonia, Josep Lluís Carod Rovira, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Roser Clavell, talks also focussed on energy issues. President Montilla added:
"We agreed to share information and proposals in relation to issues of energy research and especially about renewable energy development.
"I was also delighted that we were able to cover issues related to promotion and diffusion of the history, culture and architecture, particularly in relation to the celebration and recognition of Antoni Gaudí".
More details of the Gaudi exhibition will be announced soon. The cost of the Gaudi exhibition in Glasgow is expected to be around £50,000. The Scottish Government will contribute to the cost.