The person responsible for the foreign relations of the Catalan government, Victoria Alsina, returned to Barcelona very satisfied with the visit to Israel.
"The friendship between Israel and Catalonia is long-standing, and we already cooperate on many levels, especially in the field of science and innovation."
"During my trip, we wanted to check more joint projects, and express the support of the Catalan government and people for the Israeli government and people," says Alsina.
Since 2015, an office has been operating in Tel Aviv, which helps Israeli and Catalan companies invest in both places.
With the visit, the chances of the opening of a representation of Catalonia in Israel soon increased.
Catalonia and Israel have always had warm relations, but in recent years there are currents that support a boycott of Israel.
In June, the Catalan parliament voted in favor of a resolution accusing Israel of "apartheid" against the Palestinians.
"At that moment I was visiting Senegal, and I immediately called the Israeli embassy to clarify that this is not the position of the Catalan government or of a large part of the Catalan people."
This is what Alsina reveals to "Israel Today", at the end of a visit where she met with the Minister of Regional Development Isavi Frij, the mayors of Tel Aviv and Ra'anana, entrepreneurs and scientists, and even came to an exciting visit to Yad Vashem.
She was also in Ramallah to continue cooperation and support, especially for women.
Rural landscape in Catalonia, photo: Moshe Shay
What collaborations are forged between Catalonia and Israel?
"Innovation, research and development projects. Catalonia is a recognized and appreciated place in southern Europe to invest in and establish companies, startups. We are a key partner of Israel on the other side of the Mediterranean. Culturally, we want the Israelis to know about the great value of the Jewish heritage in Catalonia." .
How is it possible to do all this when the voices against Israel are rising in Catalan politics?
"The conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians is very complex with many different voices, both in Catalonia and in other European countries. As the government of Catalonia, we protect the national interests of our country, and cooperation with Israel is one of them. Like Israeli society, we have a culture and a language that must be protected , and we too fought and overcame many obstacles to create a democratic and prosperous society. We want to strengthen relations with Israel."
Do you have a message for the Israelis?
"I encourage the Israelis to come to Catalonia. We are waiting for them. When Israelis go to Catalonia they feel at home, and when the Catalans go to Israel they feel at home, because we have a common way of seeing the world and protecting our values and identity."
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