Sheinbaum Visits Barcelona Supercomputing Center; Mexico-Spain AI and Scientific Cooperation Deepened

Before departing Barcelona for Mexico City on April 19, President Sheinbaum visited the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) — home of MareNostrum 5, one of Europe's most powerful supercomputers. She was received by Catalan Regional President Salvador Illa, Spain's Science Minister Diana Morant, BSC Director Mateo Valero, and Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni. The visit reinforced the existing 40-year collaboration between Mexican and Spanish scientific institutions, with focus on AI research, climate early warning systems, and Mexico's Coatlicue national supercomputing program — a partnership between Mexico's Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency and the BSC announced in 2025. Science Minister Morant noted that 'science is a way to build democracy, peace, and cooperation.' During the tour, Sheinbaum had an encounter with legendary Catalan singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat — winner of the 2024 Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts and recipient of a honorary doctorate from the University of Guadalajara — whom she publicly recognized as 'a symbol of music and resistance.' The visit closed Sheinbaum's Barcelona diplomatic trip, which included the April 18 GPM summit and the historic restoration of full Mexico-Spain diplomatic ties after an eight-year estrangement.