Spain, Punjab explore expanding ties in trade, culture

By LAHORE: The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and Spanish Ambassador Carlos Aragon Gil Delaserna on Saturday discussed ways to expand cooperation between Punjab and Spain in trade, business, sports, culture and environmental protection. The meeting also discussed establishing a pilot football academy in Lahore with the cooperation of La Liga, Spain's professional football league, for the training of coaches and players. The chief minister welcomed the Spanish envoy and congratulated him on Spain's victory in the Football World Cup. She also appreciated his diplomatic services. The two dignitaries reviewed business and trade opportunities between Punjab and Spain and discussed a proposal to establish a Punjab-Spain Business Council to facilitate commercial ties. They also considered forming a joint working group to address challenges posed by forest fires, air pollution and heatwaves. The possibility of declaring Lahore and Barcelona sister cities was also discussed, along with cooperation in culture and the arts. The chief minister welcomed Spain's decision to recognise Palestine and paid tribute to the country for the move. Inviting the Spanish ambassador and business delegations to visit Sialkot and Lahore, the chief minister said Punjab would welcome trade and cultural delegations from Spain. She said Punjab wanted to benefit from Spain's experience in tackling climate change and smog. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026