Wales First Minister hails centuries-old relations in France, laments Brexit-fueled 'fissures in UK'

As the UK government schedules a vote for next week in parliament on a newly won deal with the EU concerning trade in Northern Island, the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford is in Paris to launch 'Wales in France.' He joins FRANCE 24's Tom Burges Watson in the French capital to mark the occasion and discuss the "year-long celebration of cultural, business and sporting events" to deepen ties. Over the course of 2023, the two countries will reinforce and build on their centuries-old relationship. They will also highlight their many exchanges and commonalities, from cuisine to the arts, history to geography, trade to sport and even their respective anthems. There's also a very special relationship that exists between Celtic nations Wales and Brittany that will be commemorated. On the economic front, France and Wales are major business partners, providing Wales with an ideal stamping ground as it seeks to strengthen and solidify sociopolitical and economic relationships across Europe in a post-Brexit world.