– GOVERNMENT OF CANARY ISLANDS
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 22 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has assured the Canarian community in Argentina of the government’s support, including the continuation of existing social-health aids and assistance to the four Canarian associations during a meeting in Buenos Aires as part of his official visit to Argentina and Uruguay.
At the event, attended by over 200 people, Clavijo expressed that he felt “at home” in the presence of “many people who continue to identify as Canarians and pass on this identity from generation to generation.” In a press release, he thanked attendees for being present on such a “special day” as Father’s Day, celebrated in Argentina on June 21.
“This government is committed to continuing to support you so that the flame of Canarian identity, which you have kept alive for so many years, remains strong for many more,” he added, reiterating the regional government’s commitment to supporting overseas entities that “make the Canary Islands greater.”
The luncheon also featured contributions from the presidents of three Canarian organisations in Argentina: Liliana Acosta from the Archipelago Canario Club Buenos Aires, Juan Lazo from the Northern Canary Association, and María Eugenia González from the Canarian Centre of Rosario. They all highlighted the strength of the island community in the country and the importance of feeling the government’s support to continue their activities.
To this end, the government has advocated for actions in this legislative term aimed at promoting Canarian identity and culture, as well as facilitating meetings with the Canarian community residing in various locations within the country.
It is worth noting that annual support for all overseas organisations is maintained, alongside funding lines for renovations, expansions, and improvements of Canarian houses established worldwide.
The Canarian government also finances several social-health programmes in Argentina aimed at Canarians and their descendants in the country. These include assistance for a day centre for the elderly and financial support for high-cost medical treatments, surgical interventions, and essential products. Additionally, food distribution is funded for around 30 families in vulnerable situations.
ECONOMIC TIES
The final day of the Canarian government’s official trip to Uruguay and Argentina also included a working meeting with Spain’s ambassador in Argentina, Joaquín María de Arístegui. The government highlighted that the meeting served to review the situation of Canarians in Argentina and exchange work lines to strengthen the support provided to them.
Furthermore, President Clavijo requested Arístegui’s backing for the development of work lines initiated by Proexca over the coming months to enhance trade relations between the Canary Islands and Argentina. The goal is to attract Argentine companies keen to leverage the Canary Islands’ geostrategic position as a bridge to Europe and Africa.
The public enterprise’s mission during these days has also identified business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic in strategic sectors such as technology, aerospace, maritime, and audiovisual, where the Canary Islands already have a robust business framework complemented by favourable fiscal conditions due to the Economic and Fiscal Regime (REF).
Clavijo explained to the Spanish ambassador that Proexca is preparing short-term actions to explore these economic collaboration lines. These include webinars to promote the Canarias LatamTech programme, as well as a commercial mission scheduled for September. The possibility of organising several reverse missions with companies in these strategic sectors was also discussed, along with exploring ways for Argentine and Canarian companies to jointly submit bids for tenders in African countries.
REMEMBRANCE OF POPE FRANCIS
On a different note, the President of the Canary Islands took the opportunity of his first official visit to Argentina to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires and learn about the place where Pope Francis served for many years as archbishop before being elected pontiff in 2013.
In the heart of Plaza de Mayo, near the Casa Rosada, Clavijo was shown, by the vice-rector and Father José María Zivano, the site where His Holiness celebrated masses, initiated social actions, and maintained a strong pastoral connection with the city where he was born.
This visit also included a meeting held on Friday with Lucía Topolansky, former Vice President of the Republic of Uruguay, at the estate of late President José Mujica, on the outskirts of Montevideo. Clavijo acknowledged being impressed by the international knowledge and “lucidity” of the Uruguayan political leader.
He expressed that their “emotional” conversation covered topics such as the historical Canarian roots of Uruguayan society, as well as contemporary issues. “We discussed the situation regarding climate change, the Southern Cone, and Latin America. We also addressed the circumstances since Donald Trump’s rise and how international organisations have been undermined, alongside concerns regarding the war, the need to think about peace, and envision the world we want to leave behind,” Clavijo noted following his meeting with Topolansky, which he described as “very enlightening and gratifying.”
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
The agenda in Buenos Aires wraps up five days of work, which Clavijo has characterised as “very positive.” In his view, taking advantage of the tricentennial of the Canarian foundation of Montevideo, the groundwork for revitalising historical relations between the archipelago and Argentina has been laid, with agreements expected to be solidified in the coming months through new meetings.
In this regard, the mission has enabled progress on the signing and updating of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Canary Islands and the Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation, an instrument that had not been renewed since 2002. Additionally, Clavijo has held meetings with the mayors of Montevideo, Mario Bergara, and Canelones, Francisco Legnani, reinforcing the historical and cultural ties that connect the Canary Islands with both territories and participating in commemorative events for the birth of José Gervasio Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay and a descendant of Canarians.
The president also conveyed a message of support to the Canarian community in Uruguay and Argentina, highlighting the role of the associations and island centres in preserving cultural identity and emotional bonds with the archipelago.
The official delegation from the Government of the Canary Islands comprised the Deputy Minister of the Presidency, Alfonso Cabello; the Deputy Minister of the President’s Cabinet, Octavio Caraballo; and the Director-General for Migration, José Téllez, who accompanied the president at the various scheduled events, meetings, and engagements.
