The Representative of the Republic for the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Judge Councillor Ireneu Cabral Barreto, today received the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Portugal, Christopher Sainty.
During this meeting, a number of common issues were addressed, such as the relevance of British tourism to the regional market and the prospects for cooperation between the UK and the Autonomous Region, especially at a scientific and business level. In addition, the current geopolitical situation and its impact on the European Union were discussed.
In particular, both entities agreed that the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union should not prejudice the exemplary integration of both the British community residing in the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the many Madeiran citizens working, living, and studying in the UK.
The Representative of the Republic thanked the ambassador for his efforts to continue to strengthen the historic and deep relations between the United Kingdom and the Autonomous Region of Madeira, which he hoped would last for many years to come.
At 17:30 the Ambassador held an informal afternoon tea at Casa Velha do Palherio to meet with local British residents. During the evening he discussed the current political situation, and how legislation affected ex-pats living in Madeira as well as reinforce the message that all UK citizens residing in Madeira need to register on the Brexit portal so they become eligible for the new identity card. If not, he said, identity card renewal may become more of an issue at a later date.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
