The Llywydd will address representatives of parliaments from across the EU this week and will showcase how the National Assembly for Wales is blazing a trail in terms of the provision of bilingual services. Elin Jones AM is undertaking an official visit to Valencia as part of the Assembly’s membership of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE) between 2-4 May 2018.
During her visit, the Llywydd, Elin Jones AM will deliver a keynote speech to an audience of European parliamentarians and linguistic experts that highlights the extent to which Welsh, one of the oldest living languages in Europe, is promoted, is used and is at the heart of the nation’s modern Welsh democracy.
The Llywydd said “Now, more than ever, it is important that the Assembly nurtures its relationship with parliaments across Europe. As we prepare to leave the EU, safeguarding access to share and learn about other European assemblies’ experiences is vital if we are to deliver the best services for the people of Wales. I am delighted to be showcasing our innovative bilingual services provision and hope that the audience find the insight into our bilingual nation interesting and useful.”
The Llywydd will also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Catalan Parliament in Barcelona where she will meet with the Speaker (President) Roger Torrent. This is part of a series of planned events and visits also involving delegations from Flanders and the Basque Country to provide opportunities to maintain and enhance the good inter-parliamentary relations already in place. More recently, this programme has seen the Llywydd host a number of high-profile diplomatic visits including the Indian High-Commissioner, the Belgian Ambassador and the Agent General of Quebec.