19 May 2016
The French Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Mrs Sylvie Bermann, will be visiting Jersey today (19 May) and tomorrow (20 May).
During her visit, the Ambassador will meet the Bailiff, Mr William Bailhache, the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, and the Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, as well as other Ministers. She will stay at Government House as the guest of the Lieutenant Governor, General Sir John McColl.
The itinerary for the visit includes the laying of a wreath at St Thomas' Church in memory of French residents of Jersey who died during World War I, a reception for French nationals at St Helier Town Hall, and the presentation of the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur to Jersey D-Day veterans at the Old Library in the States Building. The Ambassador will also visit Mont Orgueil, as well as attending meetings at the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche and the Alliance Française de Jersey.
Senator Bailhache commented "I look forward to welcoming the Ambassador to Jersey and to discussing matters of mutual interest. France is the Channel Islands' nearest neighbour and there is a deep cultural affinity between us that spans many centuries. Ongoing diplomatic relations and the work of the Channel Islands' representative office in Normandy has strengthened that relationship, and has helped to develop more commercial and cultural links between our citizens."
During her stay, the Ambassador will also meet business and finance industry representatives, and will be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by the Bailiff.
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