Mr Lefèvre, who is a vet by profession, was the Mayor of Saint-Mère-Eglise for more than 30 years, alongside diverse roles within the departmental government of La Manche. He has hosted the visit of many political figures from the Channel Islands and Bailiffs across the years, including during milestone anniversaries of D-Day in his capacity as Mayor.

Whilst in Guernsey on Thursday, the French delegation met Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Ian Corder, and the Bailiff of Guernsey, Sir Richard Collas, who formally welcomed Mr Lefèvre on his first official visit to the Island.

Mr Lefèvre also met with Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations, and other senior politicians to discuss the current areas of cooperation with the Department of La Manche, which include areas such as tourism, cultural initiatives, educational links and digital opportunities.

We’ve had increasingly strong friendships with @RegionNormandie & especially @MancheCD50 in recent years. I count it an honour to consider Sénateurs Jean-Francois Le Grand & @BasPhilippe as friends. Looking to continue this as we welcome new Président Marc Lefèvre to Guernsey pic.twitter.com/Ze7gWtNavj

— Jonathan Le Tocq (@letocq) February 22, 2018

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said: “Guernsey has important cultural, historic and social links with Normandy, and we have built a strong relationship with the Department of La Manche, in particular, over recent years. The cooperation agreement, which includes both the Department of La Manche and the Region of Official Normandy, allows us to strengthen these links and to discuss new areas for potential joint working with some of our closest neighbours.

“As the negotiations for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU continue, and the details of the UK’s future partnership with the EU remain uncertain, it is important for Guernsey to continue to strengthen and develop its own existing relationships. I was, therefore, honoured to welcome Mr Lefèvre to Guernsey on his first official visit since taking up the role of President of the Departmental Council. As a result of my previous political roles it a privilege to count among my personal friends his two immediate predecessors, Sénateurs Jean-François Legrand & Philippe Bas, who remain strong ambassadors for us in France and Europe. I believe their successor will equally become a good friend to the Bailiwick and I look forward to continuing to work together with La Manche to build upon our relationship in ways that will benefit islanders and Normans alike.”

Following his time spent in Guernsey, Mr Lefèvre later travelled to Jersey where he was hosted at a welcome dinner by the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir William Bailhache. Then on Friday 23 February Mr Lefèvre met Jersey's Lieutenant Governor, Sir Stephen Dalton, and attended a lunch hosted by the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst.

Pictured above: Mr Lefèvre meeting with Guernsey politicians. Image from @Bian_France Twitter account