Ibero-American countries are committed to strengthening cooperation and partnerships in the fields of transport and infrastructure

The Ibero-American countries attending the 9th Ibero-American Conference of Ministers of Transport and Infrastructure reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and partnerships in the field of transport.

Through the adoption of the Valladolid Declaration, the delegations present have committed to promoting more integrated connectivity that advances social and territorial cohesion, as well as the incorporation of safety and resilience as structural criteria in transport and infrastructure policies. Furthermore, the document adopted today highlights a number of measures, such as promoting the development of regional multimodal corridors, fostering stable regulatory frameworks and encouraging digitalisation.

The 9th Transport and Infrastructure Conference, chaired by the Minister for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Óscar Puente, brought together Ibero-American officials from the transport and mobility sector, as part of the preparatory work for the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, to be held this coming November in Madrid. The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Secretary for Ibero-American Affairs, Frederico Ludovice.

Connectivity and social and territorial cohesion

In a context characterised by vast geographical distances and territorial disparities, promoting transport infrastructure and services that ensure mobility and equitable access to opportunities becomes a key factor.

In this regard, the 9th Conference addressed not only the construction of new infrastructure, but also the promotion of integrated, accessible and sustainable transport systems. The delegations present thus identified connectivity both as an internal factor in development, regional integration and cohesion, and as a crucial element in strengthening Ibero-America's position in the international value chain.

As was pointed out during the discussion sessions, public policies in Ibero-America should be geared towards promoting intermodality, interoperability, digitalisation, effective governance, sustainable public investment and appropriate private-sector involvement.

Resilience and safety of transport systems

During the conference, the Ibero-American representatives also discussed the capacity of infrastructure to respond to crises and extreme natural events, as well as the strengthening of safety, operational reliability and the continuity of transport services.

In an environment characterised by increasing exposure to climate-related risks, shifting from a reactive approach - focused on repairing damage after it has occurred - to a preventative one is essential for the continuity of transport services and the smooth functioning of supply chains.

This shift in approach - to incorporate resilience as a structural criterion in the planning, management and investment of transport policies - requires, as the participants explained, a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure, a review of technical standards, improved maintenance and enhanced coordination between public authorities and operators.

Forum for political and technical dialogue

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, with the support of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), organised the 9th Conference as a forum for political and technical dialogue, at which participants addressed issues relating to regional cooperation, territorial cohesion and the development of more resilient infrastructure.

Furthermore, during the 9th Conference, the groundwork was laid for promoting the establishment of an Ibero-American Port Forum, conceived as a permanent platform for cooperation, dialogue and the exchange of experiences amongst Ibero-American countries on port-related matters.