On October 4, 2026, Alfonso Rueda, the president of the Xunta de Galicia, held an institutional meeting with Alex Ellis, the British ambassador to Spain. During this meeting, Rueda emphasized the strength of the economic exchanges between Galicia and the United Kingdom, which consistently yield a positive balance for the autonomous community.
The meeting took place in O Grove as part of the La Toja-Atlantic Link Forum, and was also attended by María Jesús Lorenzana, the regional minister of Economy and Industry. The discussions focused on the current geopolitical situation and the commercial relations between Galicia and the UK.
Rueda highlighted Galicia's position as a reliable and competitive industrial and commercial partner in the current European and international landscape. They also reviewed opportunities for economic and industrial cooperation in strategic sectors for the Galician productive fabric, including automotive components, agrifood, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Looking ahead to the Xacobeo 2027, Rueda and Ellis discussed the deep cultural and tourism ties that connect both regions through the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). Rueda noted that foreign pilgrims now make up the majority of walkers arriving in Santiago de Compostela, with the UK being the sixth largest source of pilgrims, accounting for over 13,000 registered certificates this year. He invited further collaboration during the Holy Year to strengthen ties and welcome thousands of visitors from the British Isles.
