The governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, held a work meeting with the lieutenant governor of California, Eleni Kounalakis, in order to discuss the strengthening of the binational relation and cross-border conditions to improve the life of communities, both north and south of the border.

In a meeting that took place in Imperial Beach, Governor Marina del Pilar acknowledged the follow up by Californian authorities regarding their commitments between previous administrations and highlighted the willingness of Governor Gavin Newsom in understanding the relevance of this binational relation and lead an effort to benefit both countries in favor of two societies connected economically, socially, and culturally.

The state governor informed that among the aspects reviewed in the meeting there were the actions by the federal governments of Mexico and the United States, work by Baja Californian and Californian authorities to address cross-border water pollution, air quality conditions, progress regarding the Otay II port of entry, the ferry that will depart from the Ensenada port, Cross Border Health, and several cooperation aspects.

In her speech, Marina del Pilar pointed out that the Cali Baja region has a regional gross internal product of 250 billion dollars and that the binational manufacturing industry represents 52,000 jobs in San Diego and Imperial Valley and 177,500 jobs in Baja California.

"It is time to work together for a medium and long-term future by boosting thorough transformations to build the binational mega region where our children will live. We have to work long term and not just in the moment," Marina del Pilar said, pointing out the importance of continuing with the global sustainable development goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

The governor spoke about the importance of strengthening the regional mega economy in order to promote a higher quality of life for people and develop cities with more green areas, better public spaces, and a more efficient urban mobility.

Regarding the environment, the governor stated the importance of ensuring water supply for communities and working together for a binational environment that results in better health and more sustainability for communities.

She added the need to have smart public transportation that everyone can use, which is why she began the RESPIRA program that combines urban development, the environment, public spaces, and social integration of historically marginalized groups.

At this meeting, the following people were present: the Secretary of Economy and Innovation, Kurt Ignacio Honold Morales; the Secretary of the Environment and Sustainable Development, Mónica Vega Aguirre; and the Secretary for the Management, Treatment, and Protection of Water of Baja California, José Armando Fernández Samaniego.

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