On the 18th of February, Minister-President Bourgeois received the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great-Britain and Northern-Ireland, Jeremy Hunt. The government leaders exchanged views on Brexit. They both agreed that a no-deal Brexit would be in nobody’s interest and were hopeful that a timely solution is still possible.
The Foreign Secretary expressed his gratitude for Flanders’ constructive attitude during the negotiations. Minister-President Bourgeois assured that the Government of Flanders has the intention to remain constructive in the future. However, he also made clear that the red lines of the British Government have consequences for the depth and scope of the future EU-UK partnership.
Both excellencies were hopeful that the future partnership would be as comprehensive as possible. It should not only include trade but also -amongst others- scientific, cultural and political cooperation. As neighbouring countries, this is in our mutual interest. The ministers concluded that there is much more that unites us, than divides us.
General Representation of the Government of Flanders in the United Kingdom and Ireland