JERSEY and France need to put the difficulties of Brexit ‘behind us’, the External Relations Minister has said following a three-day trip to France.
Deputy Phillip Ozouf, along with other ministers, recently went to Rennes and Paris on a visit designed to strengthen ties between Jersey and its continental neighbour.
The final day of the tour involved the annual Normandy Summit in Caen, which focused on the impact of Brexit on fisheries and trade.
Speaking after the trip, Deputy Ozouf stressed the importance of open and consistent dialogue.
He said: ‘We need to put the difficulties of Brexit behind us and work together to tackle the many future challenges and opportunities.
‘On the third day of our trip to France, where we sought to re-establish good, positive and forward-looking relations with our French counterparts, it really emphasised the value of being in the same room together.’
Chief Minister Kristina Moore joined the summit virtually. She said: ‘We spoke about several pressing issues, including post-Brexit travel and fisheries. As a government we are determined to work together with our French colleagues to find positive outcomes for us all.’
Vessels from Normandy and Brittany blockaded St Helier Harbour last spring at the height of a dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights in Island waters for French operators.
During the tour ministers also visited cultural institutions in Rennes, while Deputy Ozouf met Menna Rawlings, the British Ambassador to France at the British Embassy in Paris.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, who was also part of the delegation, added: ‘Engaging at the political level with our French colleagues in Normandy and Brittany is of fundamental importance, but we should also not forget the value of cultural exchange and co-operation.
‘During my time in Rennes it became clear that the cultural institutions and offerings within the city are exceptional, and as a government we should be seeking greater co-operation with them in the future. Building a long-term strategic partnership with Les Champ Libres [a cultural centre], for example, would be an important way of gaining access and connection to the cultural life of the city, benefitting Jersey and Breton residents alike.’
Deputy Ozouf made an appearance on French regional television, which he said had underlined the ‘strong relations’ between Jersey and its ‘closest neighbours’.
