Thiruvananthapuram, Friday, February 05, 2010: High-level delegation from Spain arrived here today to assess the scope for better relations with the capital city.

During the two-day visit, the team representing Casa Asia, a Spanish public institution set up to enhance awareness among the people of Asia, the Pacific and Spain in the cultural, economic and academic spheres, will hold discussions with government officials and eminent personalities. They will visit various institutions in the capital.

The delegation is arriving here on an invitation extended by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor during his official visit to Barcelona last month.

The team, including Director-General, Casa Asia, Jesus Sans; co-president of India Spain Dialogue Forum Elena Pisenero; Director, educational programmes, Casa Asia, Eva Borreguero; and executive advisor to the Director General Angel Aranguren; will hold discussions with Tharoor in New Delhi before arriving in the city. A press note quoting the Minister said they would seek cooperation in culture, tourism and education.

Established in 2001, Casa Asia is a consortium between the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the autonomous government of Catalonia and Barcelona city council.