Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson continued his official visit to Spain with a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the city’s ties with Spanish institutions and leaders, according to a May 2 announcement. The engagements followed his participation in Bloomberg CityLab in Madrid.
The visit is significant for Dallas as it seeks to deepen relationships that span commerce, culture, education, and shared values. These efforts are intended to create lasting institutional partnerships that benefit both communities.
During a high-level dinner hosted by Janet Kafka, Honorary Consul of Spain in Dallas, Johnson highlighted the growing connection between Dallas and Spain. “Dallas is proud of its strong and growing connection with Spain—a connection built not only on commerce, but on culture, education, and shared values,” said Mayor Johnson. “Partnerships like the one between the Meadows Museum in Dallas and the Museo del Prado in Madrid reflect a deep commitment to preserving and sharing history, art, and identity across international borders.” He added: “What truly anchors these institutional partnerships are the personal relationships built over time—through visits like this, through Sister City connections, and through the continued exchange of ideas.”
Johnson’s itinerary included meetings with former Prime Minister of Spain José MarÃa Aznar; former Mayor of Madrid Ana Botella; representatives from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; leaders from the Meadows Museum; architects from Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos—the firm leading redesign efforts at the Dallas Museum of Art; U.S. Ambassador to Spain Benjamin Leon Jr.; and President of the Community of Madrid Isabel DÃaz Ayuso.
In Valencia on Thursday at Mayor MarÃa José Catalá’s invitation, Johnson reinforced the Sister City partnership by exchanging symbolic gifts—presenting Catalá with a Key to the City of Dallas while receiving a reproduction seal dating back to 1351 from Valencia’s council. “I am honored to visit Valencia and strengthen our Sister City partnership, and I am grateful to Mayor Catalá for her warm hospitality,” said Johnson. “This visit not only reinforced the strong foundation between our cities but also opened new avenues for collaboration across both public and private sectors.”
Further events included discussions with business leaders convened by Valencia Chamber of Commerce focused on sectors such as manufacturing, technology, finance, energy, education, fashion,and arts—all areas aligned with Dallas’s economic strengths—and site visits showcasing urban development projects led by local officials including Councillor Paula Llobet.
The program also featured cultural exchanges organized by Marta Gual de Diego from Valencia Sister City Committee—including tours highlighting art integration into public spaces guided by architect Luis Cortés—and concluded at Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero whose collection was inspired partly by connections established during earlier visits between cities.
Mayor Johnson returns to Dallas having reinforced key international relationships positioned for future collaboration across multiple sectors.
