Sacramento, California – California’s long-running relationship with Catalonia entered a new chapter this week as state officials welcomed President Salvador Illa of the Government of Catalonia, Spain, for a visit marking 40 years of sister-state engagement between the two regions.
The meeting, announced by the Governor’s Office, brought together Illa, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and representatives from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration. It was framed not only as a ceremonial anniversary, but as a chance to renew a partnership built around shared economic strength, climate action, research and innovation.
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California and Catalonia first built their sister-state relationship four decades ago, and that connection was strengthened in 2015 through a Memorandum of Understanding designed to guide cooperation between the two governments. The latest visit recognizes both milestones while pointing toward future collaboration in areas where the two regions already have strong ties.
Gov. Newsom said he was honored to welcome Illa and the Catalonia delegation to California, noting that both regions share “common values and a bold vision for the future,” along with economies that “continue to punch above our weight on the global stage.”
He added that lasting economic strength and climate leadership are closely linked, saying California’s international work shows how “collaboration and shared values can help build a more sustainable, more prosperous future for everyone.”
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Kounalakis also described the partnership as one rooted in “innovation, economic opportunity, and a shared commitment to confronting climate change.” She said California is proud to welcome Illa and reaffirm its commitment to working with Catalonia to expand opportunity, strengthen both economies and build a more sustainable future.
Officials pointed to several areas where the two regions are well positioned to deepen cooperation, including digital technology, life sciences, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, research, entrepreneurship, trade and investment. With similar climates and environmental challenges, California and Catalonia are also looking to exchange knowledge on clean energy deployment, water management and sustainable resource use.
The visit comes as California continues to expand its global network. During the Newsom administration, the state has formed 42 international partnerships, including recent agreements with the United Kingdom, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, Brazil, Kenya and others.
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State officials said the Catalonia visit reinforces California’s role as a subnational leader on climate and economic cooperation, especially as the state works with partners abroad to cut pollution, grow clean-energy industries, support jobs and strengthen long-term trade relationships.