Channel Islands Brussels Office (CIBO)
On 7 November, the Chief Minister of Guernsey, Deputy Peter Harwood, and the Assistant Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, visited Paris for talks with the French Minister for European Affairs, Bernard Cazeneuve. The Ministers also met with the British Embassy in Paris.
It was the first Ministerial level meeting with a member of the new French Government since the Presidential elections. M.Cazeneuve, a former Mayor of Cherbourg, supported Guernsey and Jersey’s wish to build on their close and fruitful regional relationships with neighbouring French départements to also develop the Channel Islands’ relationship with France at national government level.
Commenting on the talks, Deputy Harwood said: ” This was a useful first step in building a relationship of mutual understanding with the new French Government in Paris. I am pleased to say that the meeting went well and that we were able to freely discuss many
areas of common interest. We have invited M. Cazeneuve to come and visit us in the Channel Islands, where we would be able to continue our discussions and talk to him in greater detail about our shared interests.”
Senator Bailhache said: The object of this meeting was to begin the process of developing relationships with influential figures in President Hollande’s administration. I am pleased
to say that the meeting went well and that we were able to freely discuss many
areas of mutual interest. I have invited M. Cazeneuve to come and visit us in Jersey, where we would be able to continue our discussions and talk to him in greater detail about some
of the projects that we are engaged in with our neighbouring départements of La Manche and Ille-et-Vilaine.”
CIBO coordinated the visit and accompanied the Ministers at the talks.
