UNITED KINGDOM-FRANCE SUMMIT COMMUNIQUE Royal Military Academy Sandhurst 18 January 2018 1 This the 35th UK-France Summit underlines the uniquely close relationship between our nations two of the world’s oldest and greatest democracies Today we affirm our shared vision of our relationship over the decades ahead one committed to furthering our mutual and prosperity and the flourishing of our societies 2 We meet in the year that marks one hundred years since the end of the First World War when our troops fought side-by-side in defence of our shared belief in freedom and resistance against aggression 3 As global outward looking nations we remain committed to defending our people and upholding our values as liberal democracies in the face of any threat whether at home or abroad As the European countries who are permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as members of the G7 G20 and NATO we work closely in defence of the rules based international system 4 The Lancaster House Treaty is the bedrock of our relationship Since 2010 we have improved our collective capabilities and seen unprecedented levels of integration between our armed forces intelligence agencies and diplomatic and development authorities 5 In an increasingly unstable and uncertain world this strong and enduring partnership between two great nations is more important than ever Our intelligence agencies work together to save lives on both sides of the Channel and around the world While our Armed Forces play a leading role in NATO – providing reassurance to our eastern European allies 6 Our authorities work closely together at all levels to reduce migrant pressures and target criminal gangs involved in people trafficking both in northern France and further afield And we are tackling terrorism and instability overseas taking the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria working together in the Sahel and using our overseas aid budgets to support our strategic aims Today we will build on this unprecedented cooperation drawing on and developing our shared capability recognising that we are more effective when we work together 7 While this Summit takes place as the United Kingdom prepares to leave the EU the United Kingdom is not leaving Europe A strong and deep relationship between the United Kingdom and France is in both of our interests 8 Our relationship has always gone far beyond defence and security We share £71billion in trade making France the United Kingdom’s third largest trading partner and the United Kingdom France’s fifth largest but our friendship is about so much 1 more than a balance sheet More than 150 000 British citizens live in France and a similar number of French nationals have chosen to make the United Kingdom their home That is why today for the first time we have expanded the Summit to cover the full spectrum of the UK-France bilateral relationship including prosperity innovation science and education 9 We are forever neighbours united in friendship and as champions of our common belief in freedom and justice in our societies at home and in the world The three pillars of this Summit make up a single pledge We will increase our shared security finding shared solutions to build a brighter shared future for all our citizens 10 The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the President of the French Republic agreed the following declaration which is reinforced by the actions set out in the accompanying annexes Shared Security Our defence security foreign development and migration policy cooperation in its breadth 11 We face a range of security threats of increasing scale complexity and pace including the military assertiveness of a growing number of established and emerging powers which are challenging and compromising international frameworks Advanced weapons are also increasingly and widely disseminated to states and nonstate groups 12 Since the last Summit we have both suffered acts of terrorism on our own soil We continue to face a direct threat from Islamist terrorism which despite its setbacks in Syria and Iraq continues to evolve and expand to new regions thriving on civil war chaos and state fragility We must work together to protect our peoples and to counter terrorism from the battlefields in Syria and Iraq where our forces are serving bravely side by side to drive out Daesh We reiterate our commitment contained in the June 2017 French-British Action Plan to deny the use of the internet as a safe space by terrorists and criminals and to prevent online radicalisation We are also committed to fight classic and emergent forms of terrorism financing notably through the international mobilisation conference organized by France in Paris in April 2018 as well as other international fora Security and Defence 13 The 2010 Lancaster House Treaties marked a significant increase in cooperation on defence national security and foreign policy As we approach the 10 year anniversary of the Treaties we remain committed to deepening our joint capabilities operational cooperation and policy coordination 14 The United Kingdom and France are Europe’s two leading defence powers with independent nuclear deterrents full spectrum armed forces able to deploy and operate alone or with Allies and partners across the world on land at sea in the air and increasingly today in cyberspace We have developed unprecedented levels of 2 integration between our military forces but we are announcing measures that will further enhance our joint defence capabilities and ability to work together across the world in defence of our common interests There is no situation in which we could envisage a circumstance where the vital interests of either the United Kingdom or France could be threatened without the vital interests of the other being also threatened 15 On the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force we have agreed to build on the success of Exercise Griffin Strike in 2016 in which more than 5 000 personnel from the United Kingdom and France executed major land sea and air activity for the first time The CJEF is already capable of operations up to Peace Enforcement and will take forward a programme of work that will deliver a force that could number over 10 000 with Full Operating Capability in  crisis management operation involving early entry in a potentially hostile territory by 2020 16 We will also enhance our maritime cooperation in support of global security and prosperity This includes support to each other’s Aircraft Carrier future deployments in 2019 a combined headquarters in 2019 for the Coalition Task Force 150 in the Arabian Sea and around the Horn of Africa ships and aircraft deploying and operating together in the Indian Ocean the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean regions in 2018 17 We have agreed to work more closely together to counter terrorism and instability in the Sahel and strengthen our cooperation in this region An important aspect of the Lancaster House Treaty is that our two countries have committed to support as agreed on a case by case basis one country when it is engaged in operations in which the other is not engaged Therefore following French requests for additional support for Operation BARKHANE the United Kingdom has decided to deploy three CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters to Mali to provide logistical support to French operations We have also agreed to continue to make available a C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft which has already provided important logistical support This demonstrates the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting European Allies and partners to maintain Europe’s security 18 We have agreed to sustain a continuing programme of military capability cooperation in our mutual interest Managing exchange of national sensitive information is becoming an increasingly important element in our mutual cooperation We commit to addressing any issues that arise We reaffirm the strategic importance of cooperation on our One Complex Weapon Initiative to both our countries and confirm our continuing willingness to develop our world leading missile capability cooperation Following the Future Combat Air System Development Phase-0 we will continue our work on assessing the emerging conclusions before decisions are taken on future phases We will also pursue opportunities for Combat Air cooperation and our capability analysis of the Future Combat Air Environment including how manned and unmanned systems might operate together Our joint Maritime Mine Counter Measures project is developing world-leading maritime autonomous technology We intend to develop options to bring the system into operational service rapidly We will continue to deepen nuclear cooperation between our two countries to strengthen our deterrence posture while retaining the independence of our nuclear forces 3 19 In this context we have agreed on the continuing importance of United Kingdom defence to the stability of the multilateral order including its contribution to European defence and security and of the ability of United Kingdom defence industry to continue to be able to engage in European defence research and capability development programmes under arrangements to be defined at the European level and in other relevant formats 20 In the NATO framework we have agreed to further contribute to the deterrence and defence posture including by building upon our measured and proportionate response to Russia’s more assertive foreign policy and military activity and to help develop the capacity of Iraq’s security forces and defence and security institutions 21 In 2017 French and British forces have deepened their operational cooperation in Estonia in the framework of the enhanced Forward Presence eFP France will contribute to the eFP in 2019 as part of the UK-led battlegroup in Estonia building on the successful joint deployment in 2017 22 We stress the need to further develop the emergence of a shared strategic culture between European States France and the UK thanks to their robust common expeditionary experience have agreed that their bilateral defence relationship would contribute to the development of the European Intervention Initiative  This is intended to create among a group of European Nations the conditions for future engagements in various military intervention scenarios 23 The United Kingdom and France will develop these initiatives and overcome these challenges by working together with their NATO Allies and European partners including by continuing to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of NATO and of European defence and by encouraging the development of the NATO-EU relationship Protecting our Internal Security 24 Recent terrorist attacks across Europe underline the scale of the cross-border challenge we face in keeping our citizens safe The United Kingdom and France hereby declare their continuing commitment to work together through both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to deepen and enhance cooperation on law enforcement security and criminal justice to improve the safety of citizens across Europe and to strengthen our internal security capabilities through new and dynamic arrangements at bilateral and European level that would allow us to tackle those complex shared threats 25 The ability to transfer and retain data both within the EU and with third countries is crucial in our efforts to fight cross border crime and terrorism We declare our shared view that the retention of communications data is a legitimate and vital tool for public security and that this can be done in a way that is fully consistent with upholding our citizens’ fundamental rights 4 26 In advance of the Summit and to deepen our strong ongoing cooperation the heads of the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service the Security Service and the Government Communications Headquarters met with the French counterparts the heads of the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure and the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure This was the first time in our history that these five intelligence chiefs have all been brought together in a single meeting 27 Pursuing the objectives of the French-British Action Plan that Prime Minister May and President Macron signed in June 2017 we commit to strengthening our cooperation to ensure that the internet cannot be used as a safe space for terrorists and criminals A joint progress report on the implementation of the June Action Plan was presented at the Summit Building on recent collaboration between United Kingdom and French teams we urge the private sector and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism to ensure the automation of detection and deletion of illegal content within 1-2 hours of upload prevent its dissemination and provide greater support to smaller companies Ahead of the 2018 G7 Leader’s Summit the United Kingdom and France will seek increased transparency from them in order to facilitate the monitoring of progress towards these goals We will also deepen our cooperation on strategic communications We will consider legislative measures if necessary 28 We have also agreed to introduce a new bilateral maritime counter-terrorism agreement to enable our law enforcement agencies to better protect the safety of over 15 million passengers who cross the Channel each year and to secure cross Channel ports which generate significant mutual economic benefit 29 Given the cross border nature of mutually shared serious and organised crime threats we have also committed to deepen our strong cooperation with a focus on tackling shared threats from and supporting security in the Western Balkans including through collaboration ahead of the forthcoming Western Balkans summits in Sofia and London which are important milestones to bring further stability and economic development to this region as well as enhancing intelligence exchanges on illicit firearms Cyber and Digital Security 30 The United Kingdom and France will co-operate to impede mitigate and raise the cost of malicious cyber-attacks by criminals state actors and their proxies including those that seek to interfere in the internal democratic processes of states 31 In particular we will work together to enhance the protection and resilience of our critical assets systems and networks including through a new annual policy strategic dialogue on cyber threats which will bring together Government and Agencies and by sharing best practices with critical infrastructure owners We have agreed to work together to build resilience within NATO and to build NATO’s role in improving the cyber defence capability We will also reinforce existing cooperation on the role of digital technology and the use of data for security and law enforcement purposes 5 Foreign Policy and Development 32 The United Kingdom and France are committed to tackling the most pressing foreign and international development challenges of our generation We have adopted a wideranging and strategic joint vision and approach – a Foreign Policy and Development Compact – which reflects our shared values and goals The Compact highlights our shared commitment to effective multilateralism and the rules-based international system and identifies joint initiatives to maximise the effectiveness of our foreign policy capabilities and instruments including stabilisation cooperation We have a strong history of cooperation on international development working together to ensure there is effective global action Development is a key part of our response to global challenges including by tackling the underlying drivers of instability and conflict We are committed to deepening our collaboration to improve the impact of our humanitarian aid and development assistance 33 As neighbours Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and members of the G7 and G20 we will remain the closest of partners on the most pressing issues of international peace and security We will notably seize the opportunity of the French presidency of the G7 in 2019 and UK presidency in 2021 to promote our common vision on global challenges 34 On Iran we reaffirm our full commitment to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and its full implementation We note its contribution to the preservation of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime We will continue to engage with the US Administration on the Iranian nuclear program taking note of the statement by the White House on 12 January 2018 We remain concerned about the Iranian ballistic missile programme and Iran’s activities in the region including indications that it has provided support to the Houthis in Yemen We call upon the international community to do more to advance peace and stability in the region   and to address Iran’s destabilising regional activity We look to Iran to make progress on human rights and to uphold the right to freedom of expression 35 We call on North Korea DPRK to comply with its international obligations and to carry out a complete verifiable and irreversible dismantling of its nuclear and ballistic programmes We will continue to support firm and effective measures to prompt Pyongyang to engage in a sustained meaningful and unconditional dialogue 36 On the Middle East Peace Process we reaffirm our support for a two-state solution Israel and Palestine living peacefully and in security and prosperity side by side within secure and recognized borders with Jerusalem as a shared capital We call on the parties to take urgent steps to reverse the current negative trends on the ground refrain from unilateral initiatives and to start renewed and meaningful peace negotiations We are ready to contribute to all credible efforts to restart the peace process 37 On Syria we will maintain our support for a UN-led process in Geneva leading to a genuine transition to a new democratic inclusive and legitimate government and call on the Syrian Regime to adhere to agreed ceasefires to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow unhindered and sustained humanitarian access We reiterate our commitment to pursuing accountability for human rights abuses and violations of 6 international law in Syria including the use of chemical weapons We reaffirm that will provide no support for reconstruction until a credible transition is firmly underway in line with UN Resolution 2254 38 On Lebanon we reaffirm our commitment to the stability security and sovereignty of the country and endorse the International Support Group for Lebanon statement of 8 December 2017 We call for all Lebanese parties to implement the government’s policy of disassociation from and non-inference in external conflicts and the launching of discussions on a National Defence Strategy We are determined to support the Lebanese State and its institutions in the security economic and humanitarian fields We reaffirm our support to the Lebanese Armed Forces and all State security institutions in protecting Lebanon from the security challenges particularly the terrorist threat and crises that are destabilising the Middle East We welcome in this regard the holding in 2018 of the “Rome II” meeting in Italy the investors conference in Paris and the “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” conference in Brussels should focus on continuing to tackle humanitarian needs within Syria and supporting host countries across the region and preparing for the return of Syrian refugees only when conditions allow for voluntary safe and dignified returns in line with international humanitarian law 39 We call on the parties in Yemen to engage in dialogue in good faith agree the modalities of a ceasefire and to go back to the negotiating table whilst providing safe and unhindered access to all of Yemen for commercial and humanitarian food fuel and medical supplies We condemn ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia by Houthi forces as a threat to regional security 40 On Libya the United Kingdom and France reiterate their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s action plan for Libya They recall that an inclusive political solution based on the Libyan Political Agreement is the sole way to end the ongoing crisis in Libya The United Kingdom and France are also committed to supporting Libyan and international efforts against trafficking of all sorts including human trafficking 41 We reaffirm our shared commitment to combat the proliferation of all forms of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery as well as illicit transfers of conventional arms In addition to our joint work on Iran and DPRK we will further strengthen our co-operation against the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and Daesh As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty we reaffirm our strong attachment to that Treaty which has played an unparalleled role in curtailing the spread of nuclear weapons and to other treaties and regimes underpinning the rules based international system combating proliferation 42 We also paid particular attention in our discussions to Russia Africa and the Caribbean 43 The United Kingdom and France share a common assessment of Russia’s more assertive foreign and defence policy which goes hand in hand with various concerning forms of strategic intimidation including the use of disinformation malicious cyber activity and political subversion The United Kingdom and France will act together to address the security challenges it could raise while seeking a 7 constructive dialogue with Moscow through appropriate channels This assertion must be met with a firm response combined with dialogue notably on issues of common interest in which Moscow remains a key stakeholder We condemn Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of eastern Ukraine We urge Russia along with Ukraine to fully implement the Minsk Agreements starting with a full and comprehensive ceasefire Until Russia complies with its Minsk obligations economic sanctions cannot be lifted   44 Recognising this period of dynamic change in Africa the United Kingdom and France reaffirm our joint commitment to peace stability and prosperity in Africa We agree to intensify coordination working with African partners and in international fora such as the UN Security Council General Assembly G7 and G20 on issues of mutual interest and benefit including peace and security climate change environment and resilience economic growth trade humanitarian assistance and transnational challenges such as counter terrorism irregular migration modern slavery and human trafficking We are firmly committed to supporting Africa to benefit from its huge economic potential by fostering trade and investment jobs and opportunities particularly for Africa’s youth 45 To reach our objectives of a more prosperous Africa we urgently need to create stability and address immediate needs The United Kingdom and France commits to working together to bring greater peace stability resilience and security in the Sahel and southern Libya north-eastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad basin to continuing to support the international community’s efforts in the Horn of Africa and Somalia including through support to AMISOM in Somalia that ensures a conditions-based transition to the Somali Security Forces over an agreed timeframe for the future peace and stability of Somalia To see this plan implemented we will work together to ensure EU African Peace Facility funding in the framework of the transition process and cooperate closely to address poverty development and environmental challenges The United Kingdom and France agree to intensify their security cooperation in the Sahel Region including in support of the G5 Sahel Joint Force We will co-operate closely to address the longer term causes of instability extreme poverty and lack of development in the Sahel through partnering as members of the Sahel Alliance In support of this partnership the United Kingdom will pledge £50m of support for humanitarian and family planning initiatives in the region This is on top of the United Kingdom’s existing commitment to provide £189 5m in humanitarian assistance to the region from 2015-2018 to support 2 3 million people affected by food insecurity and 1 9 million people affected by conflict 46 Increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes and tropical storms are causing widespread devastation in the Caribbean where we have shared interests and responsibilities for British Overseas Territories and French Départements et Collectivités d’Outre Mer We will build on our cooperation in response to Hurricane Irma to improve our joint provision of disaster relief and to build resilience in the Caribbean with initiatives such as CREWS - Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Taking our successful work through the International Charter “Space and Major Disasters” as a basis we will aim to increase operational resilience in key telecommunications to hurricane-damaged islands 8 47 We commit to working together towards a successful replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education   Migration “Modern Slavery” Human Trafficking and joint management of the shared border between the United Kingdom and France 48 The United Kingdom and France are committed to a whole of route approach on migration Across the world today there are 65 million people who have been forcibly displaced It is an unprecedented figure one that has almost doubled in a decade It is not acceptable that people continue to lose their lives making the dangerous journey to Europe through illegal channels The United Kingdom and France will coordinate our collective influence and expertise to address the shared challenges posed by illegal migration “modern slavery” and human trafficking and to support regular and well-managed legal migration flows 49 Upstream in the migration route we will seek to support and empower host governments and communities to work across borders and address migration across the entire route through joint work in countries of origin and transit in regions such as North East and West Africa This will include building capacity to fight serious and organised crime and dismantle human trafficking networks protecting victims and the most vulnerable and addressing root causes by negating the need for dangerous onward movements This work will be taken forward through a new UK-FR Strategic Dialogue on upstream cooperation 50 The United Kingdom and France have consistently worked together to ensure strong cooperation in the joint management of their shared border in order to respond to the challenges posed by illegal migration The United Kingdom has provided support to security measures in and around ports and railway infrastructures in the North of France since 2014 France has ensured adequate presence of police forces in the vicinity of these infrastructures and provided care for migrants needing protection Furthermore the cooperation of United Kingdom and French law enforcement forces have yielded positive results leading to the dismantlement of 44 networks of migrant smugglers in 2017 51 The United Kingdom and France intend to pursue joint efforts to continue strengthening security measures in and around transport infrastructures In 2018 France will continue ensuring the adequate presence of police forces as well as providing care for people needing it The United Kingdom commits to further support the reinforcement of security measures in and around the ports of Calais Dunkirk Ouistreham and Le Havre Eurotunnel premises That work will include the establishment of a joint centre to combat the crime associated with illegal border crossings   9 52 As part of the objective of enhancing cooperation in and around the shared border the United Kingdom and France have agreed on a Treaty that sets out a legal framework for ensuring key aspects of our shared commitment to border and migration cooperation are taken forward The Treaty includes provisions designed to ensure that the Dublin III Regulation is swiftly operated between us in particular concerning the treatment of unaccompanied asylum seeking children and we will continue to work together to complete the transfer of unaccompanied minors agreed in accordance with national relocation schemes such as section 67 of the United Kingdom Immigration Act 2016 The Treaty also sets out the objectives of improving joint action to tackle organised immigration crime and increase the number of illegal migrants who are returned to their own country The United Kingdom shall support France in its provision of accommodation in facilities located outside the Calais and Dunkirk areas such as Reception and Assessment Centres 53 To implement these priorities the United Kingdom and France commit to a package of cooperation including €50m additional United Kingdom financial support for 2018 54 The United Kingdom and France agree to work together to support the economic development of the Calais and Dover regions and to establish a working group on common projects to support the promotion of business and tourism including after the United Kingdom’s EU Exit 55 The United Kingdom and France continue to address the challenges posed by illegal migration “modern slavery” and human trafficking and to support regular and wellmanaged migratory flows France welcomes the Call to Action to End Forced Labour Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking   Shared Solutions Working together on innovation to prepare our countries and economies for the future 56 The digital revolution globalisation and climate change are among the common challenges we face As global leaders in science research and engineering the United Kingdom and France commit to bringing together our expertise to develop innovative joint solutions and to ensure our economies and societies maximise the benefits of new technologies for a sustainable future Innovating for a greener world 57 The United Kingdom and France are fully committed at national and international level to taking action to tackle climate change and accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement in synergy with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development improving the quality of the air we breathe and developing innovative solutions to our countries’ energy and transport needs 58 We have demonstrated global leadership in the transition away from fossil fuels In line with our commitment to end of the sales of all new conventional cars and vans by 10 2040 we have agreed to joint work on zero emission vehicles We will also work together to cut early deaths from air pollution by half through national and regional partnerships 59 To support our commitment to the phase out of unabated coal power and to deliver secure affordable and low carbon energy we will create the conditions for the development of smart energy system technologies and implement electricity interconnector projects to reach these goals Internationally we will also build a coalition of states committed to actions on carbon pricing and broaden the membership of the Powering Past Coal Alliance 60 Alongside efforts to promote the implementation of low carbon transition policies and support research projects and companies we commit to deepening exchanges and strengthening the cooperation between ministries of finance and central banks to support the development of green and sustainable finance at international and bilateral levels and welcome further cooperation on green finance between the City of London’s Green Finance Initiative and Paris Europlace’s Finance for Tomorrow 61 Acknowledging the importance of nuclear energy for a low-carbon economy we welcome the deepening of our industrial cooperation in civilian nuclear energy which took a major step forward with the start of the Hinkley Point C project in September 2016 We will encourage the development of new build projects and new cooperation projects to develop innovative technologies in all aspects of the nuclear cycle 62 As many challenges are being faced in our countries as well as in third countries with regard to civil nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management we will strengthen bilateral cooperation and launch joint research and industrial developments at home and in third markets Both the United Kingdom and France have indeed significant and complementary skills and expertise and are regarded as two of the global leaders Cooperation on nuclear safety and security must also continue through bilateral and international forums 63 The United Kingdom and France intend to continue their constructive dialogue on the development of a global pact for the environment We agree to work in close collaboration on ways at improving the coherence of global action to protect the environment Investing in the next-generation of technologies 64 The United Kingdom and France have a long history of collaboration in delivering cutting-edge technologies Whether pioneering supersonic travel or better connecting our countries through the Channel Tunnel cooperation between our nations has produced radical innovation 65 We will continue to partner to invest in the technologies of tomorrow including through a joint scheme supported by up to 100 000 euro per year to support academic exchanges scientific collaboration and innovation 11 66 We announce today a new Strategic Genomic Medicine Partnership between Genomics England and Médecine Génomique 2025 Independently the United Kingdom and France have established the world’s most ambitious plans to embed genomic technology into the healthcare system We have now agreed a common vision for genomics and we will combine our shared national attributes by co-funding shared analysis of new technologies to accelerate genomic medicine and research collaboration This new Strategic Partnership will ensure that together we continue to lead the world in genomic medicine generate key industrial partnerships and pioneer advanced genomic medicine to improve the care of patients with cancer and rare diseases 67 We will continue to deepen cooperation in space activities building on the Framework Arrangement signed at the 2014 Summit including cooperation to build Exomars Europe’s first Mars Rover and by exploring how our leading capabilities in climate science could improve the analysis of key climate variables support developing countries and position our industries at the centre of the growing multibillion pound Climate Services market Growing the businesses of the future 68 The United Kingdom and France’s industrial strategies highlight the role that digital technology will play in the economy of the future In this context we wish to restate our commitment and support for the principle of net neutrality which promotes a free and open internet Building on the success of the Franco-British Taskforce on Data Innovation we have agreed to support digital innovation including through a Digital Colloque in 2018 that will gather experts on digital security skills artificial intelligence data and digital government 69 We will strengthen the global competitiveness of our world-class researchers and innovators deepen collaboration between the UK’s Catapults and French instituts of Technology We will examine with French and British business stakeholders the opportunity to launch a joint Business and Innovation Council to stimulate innovation and R D and drive economic growth As we look to the future of our relationship through the twenty first century we have agreed to establish a joint group of eminent and qualified persons to examine other options for future cooperation including for significant projects Shared Futures 70 Over many centuries the United Kingdom and France have forged linguistic cultural and fundamentally human links Strengthening and celebrating those links is crucial as we write the next chapter in our relationship A Renewed Approach to Partnerships 71 We have agreed a new approach to partnerships between our towns and regions – to support a new generation of links between our people including by bringing together 12 mayors leaders of City Regions and others as they address today's challenges and harness the potential of emerging technologies We set the objective of having 10 new twinnings every year until 2022 Education and Social Mobility 72 Building on the Memorandum of Understanding on education the United Kingdom and France will deepen cooperation across all education sectors to increase opportunities for young people particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds to have international experiences that develop their employability language skills and international awareness We will facilitate the exchange of skills and best practice for school children interested in cyber to equip future generations with the skills required and we have agreed to revitalise the long-standing Entente Cordiale programme and its financing and strengthen the newly established Young Leaders Programme which is already proving its value Sports and Cultural Exchanges 73 The United Kingdom and France are hosts of major sporting events and leaders in the arts and museums and their culture has worldwide appeal 74 We have agreed to share best practice on the delivery of sports events drawing on the United Kingdom’s experience of hosting London Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012 and the Rugby World Cup 2015 and looking ahead to the Rugby World Cup 2023 to be hosted by France and Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 as well as further cooperation on a range of sports issues 75 We have agreed to discuss the terms of a joint initiative on cultural protection to safeguard cultural heritage around the world both in conflict zones and where it is at risk from natural causes so that future generations can access their unique cultural identity and celebrate their history To celebrate our shared cultural history we have agreed to hold a bilateral season of culture based on the reciprocal exchange of masterpieces and intense cultural exchanges In this context we have agreed a loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to the United Kingdom during the refurbishment of its permanent home in Bayeux and before the opening of the future Center for the Interpretation of Middle Age Europe of Bayeux in 2023 provided that the legal requirements and the scientific conditions of restoration and conservation have been met 76 We will associate with each other in commemorations we organize for the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I 77 We will also support the Normandy Memorial Trust in their work to build a Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer commemorating the more than 22 000 who fell while serving under British command in the Battle of Normandy in 1944 The President and Prime Minister will together attend the inauguration of the project in June 2019 as part of the commemorations to mark the 75th Anniversary of the operation 13