Lehendakari Imanol Pradales starts the year 2026 with a working agenda with a markedly international dimension

• Lehendakari renews memoranda of understanding with the First Minister of Wales and the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture
• He will receive Eluned Morgan and Masao Uchibori at Ajuria Enea Palace this coming Thursday and on Monday 12 January respectively.

The President of the Basque Government, the Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, will renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, within the framework of the official reception to be held at the Ajuria Enea Palace in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The signing will take place during the official visit of the Welsh premier to Euskadi and gives continuity to the framework of collaboration established in 2018 and later updated to adapt to the current challenges of the international context.

The agenda of the Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, which starts the year 2026 with a markedly international dimension, and that will continue on Monday 12 January when he receives another visit at the Ajuria Enea Palace, this time from the Governor of Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, Masao Uchibori. In this case, he will also proceed with the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, to consolidate bilateral ties and promote a strategic partnership focused on specific areas with a future-oriented outlook.

In the case of the Memorandum of Understanding with Wales, the purpose of the agreement is to strengthen and further explore cooperation between the Basque Country and Wales, consolidating an already close relationship based on shared values like democracy, social commitment and commitment to Europea. Shared values that can be extended given that Wales has been invited to join the Atlantic Macro-Region which could become a reality in 2027, in light of the mandate given by the European Council to the Commission on 18 December last for the development of a European Union Macro-Regional Strategy for June next year in cooperation with the Member States.

The agreement provides for driving joint products and sharing best practices in strategic spheres like sustainable mobility, the environment, the fights against climate change, innovation and competitiveness, renewable energies, the agri-food sector, education and training, fiscal and social policy, health and citizens and supporting enterprise development.

The MoU also strengthens cultural and linguistic cooperation, promoting a multicultural and tolerant society, placing value upon the unique identity, language and culture of both nations. The signing of the Memorandum takes place as part of the official visit of the First Minister of Wales to the Basque Country from 7 to 9 January, which includes institutional meetings and visits to a number of strategic stakeholders in the areas of innovation, industry and international promotion.

Cooperation with Japan

The Basque Country will also become the focus of attention of international cooperation with Japan next Monday 12 January, with the visit of a distinguished delegation from the Fukushima Prefecture. The mission, headed up by Governor Masao Uchibori, is seeking to consolidated bilateral ties and foster a strategic partnership that looks to the future.

The central event takes place in the Ajuria Enea Palace, where Governor Uchibori will be received by the Lehendakari, as in the case of the Welsh visit, to officially renew the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. This fundamental agreement is to be updated to drive collaboration and exchanges across three strategic sectors for both regions: renewable energy, medical devices and gastronomy.

The agenda of the Japanese delegation, which numbers 22 and includes leading figures from key sectors for Fukushima, is focused on the transfer of knowledge and opportunities for technological development.

In addition to political and technological diplomacy, the mission will serve as a platform for economic promotion. The delegation has organised an event to promote 'Made in Fukushima' products at the Hotel Palacio Arriluce in Getxo-Bilbao. As part of the event, the delegation will present sake and other food produce from the prefecture to a select group of local culinary professionals, as they look to expand sales channels and generate new opportunities for exports to the European market.