19 July 2019
The Dutch Ambassador, His Excellency Simon Smits, is making an official visit to Jersey this week.
The visit will focus on enhancing and developing links between the island and the Netherlands, particularly in respect of Brexit and Jersey’s future relationship with the EU. The visit will also emphasize the value of the Dutch community, and the wider EU community, to Jersey’s economy, society and culture.
Mr Smits, who arrived in Jersey yesterday, met with the Lieutenant-Governor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, for introductory briefings yesterday afternoon. Later in the day, he also met with the Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, to discuss Jersey’s position in relation to Brexit, as well as financial services and tax matters.
Today, the Ambassador will visit Jersey Finance to learn about Jersey’s role as an international finance centre, and will then attend a meeting with the Jersey Financial Services Commission. His Excellency will also meet members of the island’s Dutch community at a special drinks reception hosted at Jersey Zoo.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome the Ambassador to the island for his first official visit to Jersey. This visit will provide an important opportunity to discuss how we can continue to enhance and develop the links between Jersey and the Netherlands, as well as allowing us to emphasize our commitment to protecting the interests of Jersey’s Dutch community.”
Pictured above, from left are: Graham Thoume, Honorary Consul of The Netherlands; Senator Ian Gorst, Minister for External Relations; HE Mr Simon Smits, Dutch Ambassador; Nanja Piek, Dutch Government; Senator John Le Fondré, Chief Minister
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