As indicated by the City Council in a note, Ruiz Boix made these statements within the framework of a colloquium on the situation with Gibraltar, organized for the Meetings section of the San Roque publication SG de Sotogrande Plus.
In this sense, the mayor was grateful for the opportunity to dialogue between residents of the region and Gibraltar “to find that meeting point in which we all feel good and that is supported by the Government of Spain and the European Union, and the Government of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar”.
In this sense, he has reiterated the need to “be brave and innovative.” “It is about eliminating a fence that has been separating us for many years, and if it is physically dismantled we will be able to continue sharing our social life, the economy, employment and also the Security Forces and Corps, which does not have to cause any type of misgivings” , he stated.
In addition to Ruiz Boix, Juan Franco, mayor of La Línea, participated in this meeting; Juan Carmona, lawyer and former mayor of Liná; Lorenzo Pérez Periañez, businessman from Linares and member of the Transfronterizo Group; Alejandro Ponce, from Triay Abogados in Sotogrande; and Ben Holmes, a businessman of English origin but born in Sotogrande.
**What specific economic sectors in Gibraltar and its neighboring regions stand to benefit most from increased collaboration, and what types of joint initiatives could foster this growth?**
## Bridging the Strait: A Conversation on the Future of Gibraltar and its Neighbors
**Welcome to World Today News. Today’s discussion focuses on the recent colloquium on the situation with Gibraltar, highlighting the aspirations for a more integrated future between the region and the British Overseas Territory. We’re joined by Juan Franco, Mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, and Lorenzo Pérez Periañez, businessman from Linares and member of the Transfronterizo Group.**
**Opening Remarks:**
* **Interviewer:** Gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. Mayor Franco, you were present alongside Mayor Ruiz Boix of San Roque at this important meeting. Could you shed some light on the key takeaways and the overall sentiment surrounding the dialog?
**Section 1: The Vision for a Shared Future**
* **Interviewer:** Mayor Franco, Mayor Ruiz Boix spoke passionately about dismantling the “fence” separating Gibraltar and its neighboring regions. What does this vision of a shared future concretely look like to you? What are the most pressing areas where collaboration could truly benefit both sides?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Periañez, from a business perspective, how do you see this vision impacting the economic landscape? What opportunities do you believe a closer relationship could unlock, and what potential challenges need to be addressed?
**Section 2: Fostering Trust and Overcoming Obstacles**
* **Interviewer:** Mayor Franco, Mayor Ruiz Boix emphasized the need for bravery and innovation. How do we build trust between communities that have historically been separated? What concrete steps can be taken to bridge existing divides and overcome potential misgivings?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Periañez, as a member of the Transfronterizo Group, what role can civil society play in fostering cross-border cooperation? How can individuals and organizations contribute to building a more integrated future?
**Section 3: Role of National and International Actors**
* **Interviewer:** Mayor Franco, the article mentions the support of the Spanish and British governments, as well as the European Union. What level of commitment and practical measures are necessary from these actors to ensure the success of this vision?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Periañez, what are your thoughts on the broader geopolitical implications of a closer relationship between Gibraltar and its neighboring regions? How might this serve as a model for other cross-border collaborations in Europe and beyond?
**Concluding Remarks:**
* **Interviewer:** Gentlemen, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that this conversation marks an important step towards a more integrated future. What final message would you like to leave our audience with regarding the potential of a closer relationship between Gibraltar and its neighbors?
