Catalonia to open 50 delegation offices worldwide
The Catalan government has announced that it aims to open some 50 embassies across the globe to represent the interests of Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain that seeks independence.
“The intention is that in the coming months and years we are going to open fifty delegation offices around the world,” said Roger Albinyana, the Catalan government’s deputy minister for external affairs.
Albinyana added that the delegations would represent the political, commercial and cultural interests of Catalonia, with each of the 50 offices being in charge for several countries.
The delegation offices will also support Catalan companies working abroad as well as attract foreign investment in the region and promote Catalan culture and language.
Catalan authorities have so far opened offices in Belgium, the US, the UK, France and Germany as well as two new missions in the Italian capital of Rome and Austrian capital of Vienna. The Austria office also maintains relations with neighboring Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary and nearby Croatia.
Albinyana said the Catalan government is planning to establish ties with countries in Asia and Latin America.
Catalonia has been seeking independence from Spain since the end of the 19th century. In recent years, massive rallies have been held to demand the right to self-determination for Catalonia.
Many of Catalonia’s 7.6 million residents believe their economy would be more prosperous on its own, complaining that a high portion of their taxes goes to the central government in Madrid.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has strongly opposed Catalonia’s independence bid, saying it runs counter to “democratic conditions.”
European Union officials have also warned Catalan authorities that if the region would gain independence, it would have to exit the EU.
CAH/HJL/HRB
European Parliament members criticize EU as 'accomplice’ in Israeli war on Gaza
EU ministers agree on new Iran sanctions after attacks on Israel
Spanish protesters call for end of arms trade with Israel
VIDEO | Palestinians inspect rubble of destroyed building in Rafah
Yemeni forces strike US, Israeli vessels in fresh pro-Palestinian operations
‘Say no to Biden’: US college being pressed not to endorse genocide
VIDEO | UN: Alarming food insecurity crisis grips Afghanistan
VIDEO | Stuck in quagmire
UK suspends legal assessments of Israeli violations in Gaza
Students protest at US universities to urge end in financial ties to Israel
Biden signs war aid bill supplying Israel, Ukraine with more weapons
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
