First Minister welcomes French Ambassador to Wales

First Minister Carwyn Jones has given a warm Welsh welcome to France’s Ambassador to the UK Bernard Emié as the pair held talks in Cardiff today (Mon 18th March).

In his first visit to Wales since taking up his post in 2011, the Ambassador also met the Minister for the Economy Edwina Hart and inward investment officials from the Welsh Government.

There are 80 French-owned companies active in Wales, employing almost 8,000 people. These include Airbus, Alcatel-Lucent and EADS.

Welsh – French educational links are also strong, with Aberystwyth University, Glyndwr University, Cardiff University and Swansea University having agreements with French institutions.

The First Minister said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome the Ambassador on his first visit to Wales. France is one of Wales’ most important international partners, with areas of cooperation across business, education and culture.

“French companies have invested significantly in Wales and employ more than 8,000 people. I am keen to see more French firms benefit from our workforce and well developed infrastructure. Our meeting has been the perfect opportunity to discuss how our two nations develop further our trade and business links.”