Now, I understand that a proposal along the lines of investigating the establishment of a north-west Europe economic forum, which was mentioned by Mick Antoniw, is under consideration by the Committee of the Regions at the moment, and I look forward to the outcome of the committee's decision, which, of course, will take place after the UK's exit from the European Union. I was really interested to speak to Sir Albert Bore in a phone meeting I had with him last week precisely on this matter—about what that could look like and what are the models that exist for that kind of example for us to follow. 

Turning to the recommendations made in Mick and Bethan's report, I'm pleased to confirm that, since the referendum in 2016, Ministers and officials have continued to explore how established relationships can be developed to further benefit Wales. I absolutely endorse the point that we have built up so much goodwill over the years, so much soft power, that it would be a huge mistake to throw that away. And I can also confirm that the First Minister is seeking to meet with the Committee of the Regions president during his forthcoming meeting to Brussels.

Now, I recently announced that the Welsh Government will be developing a new international strategy, and in the course of that consultation, we'll be looking to determine which of the many European networks, listed in appendix A of the document, we will want to prioritise in terms of future relationships between Wales and the European Union. And as that clock keeps ticking down towards the UK's exit from the EU, I think it's essential that we send out a strong message that, even if we do leave the EU and its institutions, we are absolutely determined to ensure that we remain on good terms and that we're determined to enhance and to continue to develop our relationships with our nearest neighbours on the continent.

That sub-member-state level of governance will have, we hope, a key role in ensuring that those friendships will continue. We will make every effort to ensure that a Welsh European voice will be heard loud and clear across the continent. I'm happy to report that the Government is happy to support the motion in full.