The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Joseph Garcia, is in Brussels for a series of meetings with the European Commission and in the European Parliament.

The timing of the visit, which comes a few days after the conclusion of the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union on Friday, follows the subsequent announcement by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron, that the in/out referendum will take place on 23 June.

These latest developments will allow Dr Garcia to explain to stakeholders in Brussels the position of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar in relation to the 'Brexit' referendum, a point on which it is expected that there will be considerable interest. Several media interviews have already been arranged.

The others items on the agenda include European Union aviation issues, an update on the border and a number of other matters which have a bearing on Gibraltar's position in Europe.

Commenting in advance of the visit, Dr Garcia said: "This visit to Brussels could not come at a better time given the events of the last week. The position of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is that Gibraltar should remain a part of the European Union and this view will be put across to the key people I will be meeting. A very comprehensive programme has been arranged by the Gibraltar Office in Brussels which will allow for a wide range of meetings with relevant stakeholders".