The Senedd’s Deputy Presiding Officer, David Rees MS, has stressed the importance of the friendship, dialogue and common ideals that continue to bind the UK and EU together.
Addressing Members of the EU Committee of the Regions- UK Contact Group at the Senedd, the Deputy Presiding Officer said the devastating war in Ukraine is a reminder of our common humanity and the values we share. He highlighted how we are stronger together, united in seeking solutions.
The Senedd is hosting the EU Committee of the Regions-UK Contact Group, which was established to preserve cross-border links and maintain a space for discussion on common issues after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Senedd is the first UK institution to host a meeting of the Contact Group.
The talks were attended by First Minister, Mark Drakeford, the President of Brittany, Löig Chesnais-Girard, as well as regional leaders from Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Czech Republic, France and Germany.
Leaders also discussed the implications for Wales of the new UK-EU trade agreement and the opportunities to strengthen links and relations between Wales, the UK and EU regions.
The Deputy Presiding Officer, David Rees MS, said: “The Senedd has a proud history of engaging with the EU, Europe and the wider world.
“We are in a new world, but we have old and lasting friendships. The areas of interest to us at the Senedd are ones all European nations and regions will share; climate change and sustainability, citizen engagement and equality, digital innovation and adapting and responding to the challenges laid bare by the Covid pandemic.
“The devastating war in Ukraine, on our own continent, reminds us all of our common humanity and the values we share. At no other time in recent history has it been more important for us to reach out to each other and act in unity.
“It is vital that we build upon the Senedd’s - and our nation’s - proud and enduring legacy of European engagement.”
