A new and historic agreement to strengthen ties between Cornwall and Wales has been signed by Cornwall Council leader Cllr Linda Taylor and the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford.

It will see representatives of Cornwall Council and the Welsh Government meeting at least four times a year to share best practice and to develop solutions to areas of mutual challenge.

This high-level agreement includes sustainable housing provision, achieving net zero, thriving rural economies and celebrating culture and language as key areas of co-operation.

Cllr Taylor first met with Mr Drakeford in February last year to discuss developing the relationship between the two Celtic ‘nations’, acknowledging the many areas of common interest shared between them.

Now a formal arrangement, the ‘Celtic Heritage – Cornwall-Wales Collaboration Agreement’ has been signed to strengthen the bonds already in place. Future meetings will be held virtually to minimise the financial and carbon impact of the arrangement.

Cllr Taylor said: “Cornwall has a proud Celtic heritage, and we have so many cultural links to Wales that it seemed clear to me that strengthening our ties would be of huge benefit for us both.

“I was delighted to find that the frst minister shared my enthusiasm for this, and we have been able to come to an agreement to formalise this relationship.

“Affordable and sustainable housing, the need to achieve net-zero and ways of growing thriving rural economies are key areas for both Cornwall and Wales, and to be able to share our knowledge with each other is good news for us all.

“It is also great for us from a cultural perspective too. I know we can learn from the way the Welsh language has been successfully grown in recent years, and I am looking forward to sharing the ways in which we both celebrate our rich and ancient culture.

“This is good news for Cornwall and for Wales, and I am delighted we have taken this real step forward.”

Mr Drakeford said: “We share many historical, cultural and linguistic ties with Cornwall, and our economies, landscape and our people have many shared characteristics. These commonalities enable us to learn from each other in areas which affect our populations, especially in the areas of focus in today’s agreement. I look forward to working more closely together, building on our strong relationship, sharing best practice and exploring other areas we can work together on in the future.”