RELATIONS with France have ‘steadily improved since the difficulties surrounding fisheries last year’, according to the External Relations Minister.
Deputy Philip Ozouf made the comment following an appearance on French regional TV during a ministerial visit, which he said had underlined the ‘strong relations’ between Jersey and its ‘closest neighbours’.
During an interview with France 3 Bretagne, which broadcasts to people in Brittany, Deputy Ozouf was asked about the impact of Brexit and the fishing crisis, which resulted in vessels from Normandy and Brittany blockading St Helier Harbour last spring.
Following the TV appearance, he said: ‘We have underlying strong relations with our regional counterparts. That’s why we’re here, explaining the historic links between France and Jersey.
‘Our links with France – particularly Normandy and Brittany – are historic and date back centuries. Nowadays, this relationship is broad and covers a wide range of areas, including trade, tourism, arts and culture, education and language, amongst others.
‘This government is committed to promoting and strengthening these links.
‘Engaging with the media in France is important and helps to illustrate to our French cousins – at both the political and public levels – that we are serious about protecting these links and dedicated to developing them in the future.’
Deputy Ozouf admitted, however, that the row over French fishing rights in Jersey waters had ‘caused issues’.
‘We know that Brexit has caused issues on both sides – there are a declining amount of visitors going to France from Jersey.
‘For centuries we have seen Norman, Breton and Jersey fishermen fishing in the Bay of Granville.’
He added: ‘There is a strong demand for fish – fish don’t discriminate when it comes to Jersey and French waters.
‘I feel that our relations with France have steadily improved since the difficulties surrounding fisheries last year.
‘We have moved on to the next phase of fisheries discussions – “extent and nature” – and I am hopeful that a successful conclusion to this will arise in the near future.’
Deputy Ozouf also underlined the importance of ‘speaking directly’ to French counterparts and maintaining close links with France.
‘My appearance on French television is a step-up in our engagement with France, one that I hope illustrates the seriousness and value that we place on our relationship with our closest neighbours,’ he said.
Deputy Ozouf spoke to the JEP on the second day of what he described as a ‘high profile’ government trip with Chief Minister Kristina Moore and Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel.
Deputy Ozouf and Deputy Moore were also due to represent the Island at an annual Normandy summit in Caen, joining colleagues from Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Normandy and La Manche.
