From
the BBC» :
Representatives from Bristol city and Cardiff councils have met to discuss working together to promote economic benefit.
The cities are part of the Great Western Partnership, which campaigns to establish high-speed rail links to London with the West and Wales.
The event in Cardiff saw representatives outline collaboration on areas including the Severn Barrage.
Members of the business community and academics also attended.
The councils are both Liberal Democrat-run.
A partnership spokesman said a high-speed rail link would reduce the present two-hour journey time from London to Cardiff to around 70 minutes, with trains reaching speeds of over 150 mph.
Rodney Berman, leader of Cardiff Council, said the city had traditionally concentrated on working with other Welsh councils. "But here we have two of the most successful UK▸ cities in close proximity and we have never really seriously looked at working closely together before," he added. "As near neighbours, Cardiff and Bristol share many of the same strategic and economic challenges."
Bristol City Council leader Barbara Janke said: "As major UK cities Bristol and Cardiff will have a key role in driving the UK economy towards recovery, particularly given our combined strength in the smart industries of the future such as low carbon technologies. I look forward to exploring further areas of co-operation for the benefit of both our cities."
