The Government of the Canary Islands is making significant strides in its cooperation strategy with Africa, highlighted by the official visit from April 26 to 29 of a delegation from the Moroccan region of Souss Massa. This delegation, led by President Karim Achengli, comprises over fifty representatives from various sectors, marking a pivotal moment for collaboration between the two regions.
The agenda for this visit commences with an institutional meeting between Canary Islands President Fernando Clavijo and Achengli, followed by a plenary session aimed at evaluating the progress of agreements signed months earlier. This crucial dialogue will also focus on defining new avenues for collaboration that can bolster the relationship between the Canary Islands and Souss Massa.
This visit continues the groundwork laid in January in Agadir, where ten agreements and a memorandum of understanding were signed, establishing a strategic partnership rooted in institutional cooperation and joint economic development. During their stay, the delegation will engage in sector-specific meetings and business encounters, including B2B sessions between companies from both regions. The goal is to stimulate investments, strengthen trade ties, and create new business opportunities across both shores.
Additionally, the delegation will tour key infrastructures in the archipelago, such as the Port of Las Palmas and the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands, along with facilities related to innovation, tourism, water management, and the primary sector. These visits aim to foster the exchange of experiences and promote joint projects in areas such as sustainability and the blue economy.
Academically, public universities in the Canary Islands will play a vital role in enhancing cooperation in research, talent mobility, and knowledge transfer, aligning with the scientific diplomacy strategy promoted by the regional government. The sports dimension will also feature prominently in the agenda, with meetings linked to the 2030 Football World Cup, exploring avenues for collaboration in facility management, training, and international outreach.
Octavio Caraballo, the Deputy Minister of the Presidency Cabinet, emphasized that such meetings “allow for the consolidation of a stable line of work over time with Souss Massa and advance useful cooperation, yielding concrete results for both territories.” He noted that the relationship has expanded beyond institutional realms to encompass areas such as economy, science, and sports.
Through this initiative, the regional government seeks to solidify a stable relationship with Souss Massa, founded on geographic proximity, economic complementarity, and a shared vision of the Atlantic as a space for development and opportunities. This endeavor further establishes the Canary Islands as a bridge between Europe and Africa.
As reported by lagacetadecanarias.com.
