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<p>The UK is responsible for the international relations of the Overseas Territories,
which have a specific status within the European Union Treaties. The Overseas Association
Decision is the instrument which sets out the relationship between the European Union
and the Overseas Territories of the Member States. In 2015 I attended the annual Forum
bringing together Territory leaders, senior representatives from the European Commission
and the Member States. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials meet approximately
six times a year with the Territories and the Commission to take forward cooperation
under the Overseas Association Decision. Other government departments provide officials
when required if the subject matter falls within their area of competence.</p><p>The
United Kingdom is also responsible for the international relations of the Crown Dependencies
which have a special relationship with the European Union under Protocol 3 to the
United Kingdom’s Treaty of Accession to the European Community.</p><p>United Kingdom
Government officials meet regularly with Crown Dependency and Overseas Territory representatives
to discuss forthcoming business; information sharing is a matter of routine. The Crown
Dependencies and Overseas Territories make their own preparations for meetings with
the European Commission but Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials assist when
asked to do so. Support is also available from other government departments and the
UK Permanent Representation to the European Union should it be required.</p>
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