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Jersey and Guernsey have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the region of Brittany for the first time, which the islands hope will open up tourism, education and transport opportunities among others
The announcement comes after Guernsey hosted an annual political summit with the departmental council of Ille-et-Vilaine and, for the first time, a meeting with the regional council of Brittany.
Pictured: The political summit took place in Guernsey.
Jersey was represented by Chief Minister Kristina Moore and External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf, while Guernsey was represented by Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq and the departmental council of Ille-et-Vilaine was represented by Michèle Motel - departmental councillor responsible for international solidarity and cooperation.
The regional council of Brittany was represented by its Vice President, Daniel Cueff, while the Préfecture of Brittany - representing the French State in the region - was represented by diplomatic advisor Jean-Baptiste Chauvin.
Guernsey and Jersey also renewed their Memorandum of Understanding with the departmental council of Ille-et-Vilaine for another three years.
Deputy Moore said: "I was very pleased to join our French colleagues in Guernsey for a summit with the Department of Ille-et-Vilaine and the Region of Brittany, alongside the Minister for External Relations."
Pictured: Chief Minister Kristina Moore said the government was "determined to work together with our French counterparts".
She continued: “We spoke about several thematic issues of mutual interest, including maritime links, sport, and culture. We also renewed our existing partnership agreement with the Department and formalised links with the Regional of Brittany through the signing of a new agreement.
“As a government we are determined to work together with our French counterparts to find positive outcomes for us all.”
Deputy Ozouf added: “I was delighted to travel to Guernsey for the annual summit of the governments of Jersey and Guernsey and the Department of Ille-et-Vilaine, and for the first time to meet with partners from the regional council of Brittany.
“Jersey has a close and productive relationship with our cousins in Ille-et-Vilaine based on our shared history and personal connections. Since we entered into this more formal partnership, we have seen an increase in activity and projects across areas including culture and education."
Pictured: External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf said Jersey's regional links with Brittany "are very important to us".
He continued: "The fact that we are renewing our partnership is testimony to the enduring nature of our links and I look forward to working together on projects over the next three years.
"For the first time we signed a new partnership with the regional council of Brittany, which can only strengthen our existing relationships. I am excited about the opportunities that this will lead to for future collaboration. Our regional links with Brittany are very important to us and formalising this can only make our connection stronger."
Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the regional council of Brittany, thanked Jersey and Guernsey for "having favoured the path of dialogue and cooperation".
He said: “While Brexit could have divided us, it has instead helped to bring the Channel Islands becoming closer to Brittany and Normandy.
"I am convinced that this path will best defend the interest of all our citizens."
Chief Minister Kristina Moore talks about the summit...
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