The first official meeting between Chief Minister Fabian Picardo and La Linea’s Mayor Juan Franco was a positive one with more co-operation between them, as declared by both parties.

Sr Franco paid a visit the Chief Minister at No6 Convent Place yesterday afternoon, attracting a large contingent of reporters and cameramen from the local and Spanish media.

A private meeting was held between the two following the latest controversy over last Saturday’s incident at sea, and they spoke for more than half an hour, before speaking to the press.

Mr Picardo and Sr Franco both said they are looking forward to good working relations, and build upon the strong foundation already laid by former PSOE Mayor Gemma Araujo.

When speaking about more co-operation between La Linea and Gibraltar, Mr Picardo added: “We had a fluid discussion looking at sports, investments from Gibraltar into La Linea, and other opportunities, and hope the relationship is just as positive in the future.

“We all have the same view of the relationship which is a very positive one with the interests of people on both sides of the frontier.”

He added that Gibraltar and La Linea had many links across the frontier, whether it was because of work, families, or relationships, and reiterated he wanted to reflect this close link on a political level.

Mr Picardo was questioned by Spanish journalists from Antena 3, TeleCinco and other networks with regards to the latest SVA incident and regarding drugs and tobacco smuggling. Mr Picardo responded to these questions saying that authorities in Gibraltar and Spain should work together to ensure drugs are not being brought into Europe. He added that none of those caught have been Gibraltar citizens.

The leader of La Linea 100X100 Sr Franco was voted in as mayor in the June, after forming a coalition with the PP party in the local elections.

Since he took up the role as Mayor, Sr Franco has advocated good relations with Gibraltar.

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