we established a region sister russia shed with the region of catalonia. i want to thank the group freinds of gaspart. the president of the organization could not be here but they have been trying to foster relationships, not just between san francisco and barcelona, but the entire region. the mere talk about the commonalities, the economic ties. there are many other ties. there are works between the museums in barcelona and the de jong. there are talks about the universities in barcelona with ours. sharing production with the our pride in barcelona. there are many examples of that nature. but something that is special to me, as a gay man, and i see my partner in the audience -- is the commitment to civil rights and the very special committee that that barcelona has played to the lgbt community. those of you who watched the movie "milk" remember the same how there was a protest in barcelona in the days of franco inspiring activists like harvey milk to say that we will be treated equally. that connection has been in place for decades. when i visited barcelo

all spaniards gathered in city hall, many from catalonia, and from other regions in my country. many of you here represent the foundation for the better relations between the united states and spain. the signing of this memorandum of understanding between the city of barcelona and san francisco marks the establishing of a new city partnership that aims to create new links between 10 francisco and the barcelona. and the path ahead that will allow us to widen our economic and trade relations. scientific and technical knowledge. better understanding for the mutual interest, not only of these two cities, but of our country. the date is the right time to recognize and honor the effort this project. the mayor of the city of san francisco gavin newsom and his team, the mayor of barcelona and his team and all institutions and private citizens who helped make possible this relationship between san francisco and barcelona. thank you very much. [applause] >> thank you, mr. council in general. next to let me introduce someone who is very important. that is not just about establishing the si