TIJUANA.- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by the San Diego City Council a few months ago, led to the first Tijuana-San Diego work meeting, taking a step forward regarding a series of public policies and binational collaboration agreements with regard to the environment, culture, tourism, energy, transportation, border infrastructure, etc.

VIDEO: Welcoming words from both mayors

San Diego's mayor, Kevin Faulconer, went ahead first with his introductory speech, saying that he is happy to be back in Tijuana, pointing out the multiple benefits of having both cities collaborate so closely on many issues.

Afterwards, mayor Astiazarán gave his speech in English and talked about the importance of "exchanging ideas, programs and actions to make Tijuana and San Diego a better region to live in. I'm sure that the talent that who is here today, will put it their best efforts to make that a reality", mentioned Astiazarán.

"Today is about translating our optimism and our good will regarding the matter" of specific actions, economical development, creating jobs in the area and even cultural issues, said Faulconer.

Regarding tourism, mayor Faulconer confirmed during a press conference that the matter is also one of his priorities pointing out that both cities are making an effort to attract more tourists.

Mayor Astiazarán added that San Diego's Tourism Authority (who last month signed an agreement with COTUCO to collaborate in binational tourism) will promote Tijuana and Baja California, now that their website is being translated into Mandarin. This is just an example of the tourist and cultural collaboration planned.

After the Q and A session, both mayors, alongside their respective teams, outlined the actions they could perform regarding:

Urban Infrastructure:border crossing and wastewater management. Civil Protection: evacuations, forest fires in the border and attacks. Environment: waste and afforestation Economical Development:regional promotion and incentive binational programs Culture: paint workshops and exchange of writer's presentations.

San Diego's entourage featured the presence the representatives for Economical Development, David Graham; Urban Development and Planning, Nancy Bragado, Binational Affairs, Denice García, Environmental Services, Mario Sierra; Art and Culture Commission, Dana Springs and Civil Protection, John Valencia

On Tijuana's side secretaries from the General Government, Bernardo Padilla Muñoz, Public Security, Alejandro Lares Valladares, Urban Development and Ecology, Roberto Sánchez Martínez, Enviromental Protection, Gabriel Veytia Burgeño, the Institute of Art and Culture (IMAC) Jesus Flores and Director of Enviromental Protection, Juan Carlos Méndez Torres.

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