A LONG-term friendship with politicians from Normandy culminated in yesterday’s historic meeting in Paris between senior Jersey politicians and the president of the French Senate.

The group from the Island led by Chief Minister Frank Walker was in the Palais de Luxembourg and met Gerard Larcher, who is considered the second most important figure in France after president Nicholas Sarkozy.

But the invitation came as a result of the long-term relationship built up over the years with politicians from Normandy, and in particular the friendship with the president of the Conseil Général de la Manche, Senator Jean-François Le Grand.

At yesterday’s meeting M Larcher agreed to send out a briefing note from his office to all French Senators and Deputies that will explain that Jersey is a well-regulated finance centre that conforms to international standards.

• Picture: Chief Minister Frank Walker with Senator Jean-François Le Grand and Gerard Larcher