Canarias and Uruguay have sealed an agreement to strengthen their cooperation, adapting their historical alliance to the challenges of the 21st century. The new Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the President of Canarias, Fernando Clavijo, and the President of the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation (AUCI), Alejandro Sánchez, replaces the one in effect for 24 years and establishes a «stable and permanent» framework for collaboration.
This document reaffirms the historical, cultural, and friendship ties that have united both territories for over three centuries. The objective is to promote joint initiatives in strategic areas, updating the agreement originally signed on June 25, 2002.
Both Clavijo and Sánchez highlighted the importance of updating this alliance with 21st-century tools, maintaining the line of joint work and setting new goals to «build the future together». The Canarian president recalled that this agreement is part of the commemoration of the founding of Montevideo, emphasizing the importance of «sharing experiences and learning from each other».
Clavijo announced the organization of joint workshops in November to follow up on the agreement and materialize collaboration ties between universities, entrepreneurs, and social spheres. The new Memorandum prioritizes environmental sustainability, energy transition, circular economy, and climate resilience, with initiatives for the protection of natural resources and biodiversity.
Collaboration will extend to areas such as public health, biotechnology, agriculture, social welfare, environment, public governance, sustainable urban planning, mobility, housing, resilient infrastructure, and modernization of public services. They also commit to cooperating in cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, as well as in training and research.
During his visit, Clavijo met with the head of the Chamber of Representatives, Rodrigo Goñi, highlighting the strong imprint of the Canarian community in Uruguayan society. Subsequently, he presided over the 'Canarias-Uruguay Forum: from origin to future', where he presented the roadmap of the Canarian Government to authorities, business representatives, and civil society.
At the forum, Clavijo emphasized the importance of leveraging the tricentennial of the founding of Montevideo, with islander participation, to «continue advancing together in an increasingly interconnected world». He considered the agreement a reaffirmation of the commitment to work towards shared objectives, not merely a bureaucratic update.
The Canarian president highlighted the opportunities Canarias offers as an intercontinental platform for Uruguayan companies looking to expand into Europe and Africa, mentioning the archipelago's fiscal advantages and business fabric. He invited Uruguayan companies to participate in the Canarias Latam Tech program.
