International Ministers announce the signing of a Declaration of Intent aimed at strengthening Quebec’s Relations with Wales
Gweinidogion Rhyngwladol yn cyhoeddi bod datganiad o Fwriad wedi’i lofnodi i gryfhau perthynas Québec â Chymru
Eluned Morgan, Wales’ Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language and Nadine Girault, Quebec’s Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, used their first meeting to sign a declaration of intent which, among other things, is aimed at intensifying Wales and Quebec’s relationship through their joint participation in activities related to the economy, innovation, culture and education sectors.
Both ministers wish to increase trade by promoting access to markets and supply chains, as well as by bringing forth initiatives favoring business growth and investment opportunities for both Quebec and Wales.
In recent years, Quebec and Wales’ strong wish to intensify their economic ties have led to the opening of Wales’ very first representation in Canada in 2018, in Montreal. The Welsh want to strengthen their relationship with Quebec in order to diversify their international partnerships. Minister Morgan’s visit also stems from the Welsh government’s first international strategy, which was launched in January 2020.
Eluned Morgan, Wales’ Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language
“In the past few months both Minister Girault and I have released new visions for our international work in Wales and Quebec respectively. Signing this declaration is the next chapter in our relationship as we deliver our international plans together. We set up our Welsh Government Office in Canada in Montreal just two years ago, and this is a fantastic example of the importance of the Welsh Government’s international work around the world and the fruits of our work here in Quebec.”
Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie
“Quebec and Wales have enjoyed a great relationship for over 10 years. The declaration of intent being signed today is proof that our alliance is firmly established, and I am delighted with this new development. Some Quebec companies are already well ensconced on Welsh territories and the synergies between our two economies are unmistakable. I would also like to highlight the exemplary boots-on-the-ground work of our Government Office in London, which has helped take this cooperation to the next level.”
Notes to editors
- To jumpstart initiatives made possible by the declaration of intent, with both Governments contributing an amount of $30,000 to support a common economic and cultural cooperation program. This announcement allows us to lay the foundation for a new type of cooperation between Quebec and Wales, one that is focused on projects in the economy, innovation, science and culture sectors.
- Quebec technological innovation is well established in Wales: CGI, a Quebec company, is one of technology’s largest employers in Wales. In fact, CGI opened a new cybersecurity center there in December 2019.
- A Welsh delegation is expected to participate in the Montreal Aviation Forum on April 20 and 21. The aerospace sector benefits from a privileged collaboration between Quebec and Wales.