California Hosts President of Catalonia to Mark 40-Year Sister-State Partnership
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
SACRAMENTO, May 15, 2026 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — State officials welcomed President Salvador Illa of the Government of Catalonia, Spain, to California this week to mark the 40-year anniversary of the regions’ sister-state partnership and reaffirm ongoing cooperation in economic development, innovation and climate policy.
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Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and representatives from Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration received President Illa and his delegation during the visit, which also highlights more than a decade of collaboration under a 2015 Memorandum of Understanding between California and Catalonia.
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
“I’m honored President Illa and the Catalonia delegation are visiting California. Our regions share not only common values and a bold vision for the future, but also economies that continue to punch above our weight on the global stage. We understand that long-term economic strength and climate leadership go hand in hand and that building a cleaner economy means confronting the real impacts of climate change with urgency and purpose. As California deepens partnerships with sister states and regions around the world, we’re proving that collaboration and shared values can help build a more sustainable, more prosperous future for everyone,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
California and Catalonia have maintained cooperation across sectors including clean energy, life sciences, digital technologies, sustainable agriculture and water management. Officials said the anniversary serves as an opportunity to expand collaboration in innovation-driven industries, trade and investment, climate action and institutional knowledge exchange.
“California and Catalonia have built a strong partnership rooted in innovation, economic opportunity, and a shared commitment to confronting climate change. From clean energy and technology to research and entrepreneurship, our regions understand that investing in people, sustainability, and new ideas is what drives long-term prosperity. We are proud to welcome President Illa and reaffirm California’s commitment to working with Catalonia to expand opportunity, strengthen our economies, and build a more sustainable future together,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis.
During the visit, officials outlined priorities under the 2015 agreement, including advancing technology and research collaboration, strengthening business ties, supporting climate and clean energy initiatives, and expanding partnerships between universities and industry leaders.
In a press release from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, California’s broader international engagement efforts were highlighted.. Since 2019, the Newsom Administration has established dozens of international partnerships focused on trade, climate policy, clean energy development and economic cooperation with regions including the United Kingdom, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya, Australia, British Columbia and others.
According to the Governor’s office, California continues to pursue subnational partnerships aimed at advancing economic growth and climate initiatives amid shifting federal policies.
Source: California Governor’s Office
