Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos recently crossed the isthmus into Gibraltar to attend talks with British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Gibraltar’s Chief Minister, Peter Caruana. The visit was the first by a Spanish government representative to the Rock since it was ceded to Great Britain in 1713 by the Treaty of Utrecht. The talks led to a number of important economic and travel agreements between the governments that will help residents and workers in the area.
The ferry route between Gibraltar and the Spanish town of Algeciras was re-established. The Spanish town is located across the bay from the Rock and this will make travel between the two much easier. Also, the Cervantes Institute will open on Gibraltar this year. This is a not-for-profit organization created by the Spanish government in 1991 with the mission to promote the Spanish language and culture. Francisco Oda was named as the director.
Meetings between representatives of the three governments have already led to a number of improvements for people who live and work on Gibraltar. Improved mobile phone connections, easier border crossings and better airline connections have all come about as a result, and it is hoped that better relations continue.
After the meeting, Mr. Moratinos said that “This is about co-operation and dialogue, which are the only options for the 21st century.
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