By Hannah Esnouf

Copyright jerseyeveningpost

THE environment, maritime links and cultural ties were on the agenda at a summit held to enhance and celebrate the Channel Islands’ relationship with France.

Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham, External Relations Minister Deputy Ian Gorst, and Sustainable Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel joined delegates from Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, La Manche, and Normandy at Mont Orgueil for the annual Normandy Summit.

Shared responsibility, regulation, and the changing UK-EU relationship were on the agenda, and delegates examined renewable-energy projects and maritime relations, as well as the importance of cultural exchange between the jurisdictions.

At yesterday’s summit, ministers also renewed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding, which the government said “reaffirmed” four priority areas: governmental links, economic development, tourism, trade and transport, education, sports, culture and heritage, and environment, marine issues, and marine renewable energy.

Deputy Farnham said the annual event “continues to provide significant value”.

“The success of our regional economy relies on contribution from us all and the new Memorandum of Understanding confirms our collective commitment to our sustainable future with strong trade and cultural links,” he said.

Guernsey Chief Minister Lindsay de Sausmarez also attended the summit and added that the MoU “cements formal links” between the Channel Islands and Normandy and will help the jurisdictions “respond more effectively to shared challenges”.

This year’s summit comes as the Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche in Jersey celebrates its 30th anniversary and represents ten years since the cooperation agreement was first made.