Jersey "honoured" to welcome Consul General of France in London

Friday 22 November 2024

The Consul General of France in London has visited Jersey for the first time as he looks to develop the bridge between his consulate and its representative in the island.

Samer Melki, who has been in his role since September 2022, came to the island for two days this week.

Speaking to Express, he explained his role covers a wide-range of services to the French community in the UK, such as their administrative situation, passports, IDs, certain social benefits and helping French students pursue their studies in the country.

"It's very easy to stay in London and to only see French people in London," he said.

"For me, it's very important to go and try to know more about French communities living outside of London."

"It's very important to come here"

Mr Melki noted Jersey's unique position as an island community very close to France.

He explained: "There are French [islanders] who live here, who've been living here for generations, others who are here for a few years, but in any case they live in a situation which is very different and for me as a Consul General it's very important to come here and be able to meet them."

His brief trip here has included visits to the Alliance Française and La Hougue Bie as well as time spent meeting the French community and businesses in the island.

He also met Pierre Chays, who was recently appointed as the island's new French Honorary Consul. 

Pictured: Jersey's French Honorary Consul Pierre Chays (left) with Consul General of France in London Samer Melki.

Mr Melki continued.: "I'm very happy that he [Pierre] is here, that he brings a dynamic to this function of Honorary Consul and also that he organised a great visit for me.

"He's enabled me to see a lot of French people who are involved in archaeology, in business, in education, in culture – it's very important."

A relationship "rooted in history" 

Mr Melki added: "Since Pierre is really our representative here in Jersey, it's very important that we work in confidence and that we know each other.

"Also because the link and relationship between France and Jersey is very particular, very specific and rooted in history, it's also very important for me to be here for these reasons."

Mr Chays said: "My main role is basically to support the General Consulate in London and be their representative in Jersey.

"So knowing the team and knowing the Consul General is very important for me."

He added the he was "honoured" that Mr Melki had visited the island.

"Hopefully he will come back on a holiday and there will be more events like this," he said.