Building bridges on the Rock

CHIEF Minister Fabian Picardo has held his first official meeting with La Linea mayor Gemma Araujo.

The pair declared the talks a success after discussing a wide range of issues affecting both the Rock and the Spanish frontier town.

The agenda included looking at ways in which cross-border relations could be boosted through joint cultural, educational and sporting initiatives.

The leaders also discussed pollution on Western Beach, discrimination against Spanish workers, and a scheme to encourage Spanish workers to register and legalise by offering free bus travel.

“It has been a great pleasure to welcome Sra Araujo and her team to talk about all the things that concern real people and where we may be able to make a difference,” Picardo said.

Araujo said that the shared history between Gibraltar and La Linea made it normal for both sides to have the same mutual interest in solving problems that affect them.

“These are important issues for good neighbourly relations which is our aim,” said La Linea’s mayor.