The Scottish Government

Scottish programme for Entente Cordial

Rt. Hon. Jack McConnell MSP

First Minister

Launch of Scottish programme for Entente Cordiale

22 January 2004

Introduction

I'd like to thank you for coming here today and I am particularly delighted to welcome Sir John Holmes, the British Ambassador to France, who has come over from Paris today to join in this announcement and also to give the Scottish Executive Edinburgh Lecture this evening. I am also pleased to welcome Michel Roche, the French Consul General here in Scotland.

In 1904 - France and the United Kingdom signed an agreement of friendship - the Entente Cordiale. One hundred years on we celebrate that friendship. An agreement that has helped deliver peace and stability through Europe and beyond.

In November last year the Prime Minister and President Chirac announced the creation of a programme of events to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Entente Cordiale between the United Kingdom and France.

Today, I am delighted to announce Scotland's involvement in those celebrations. We value greatly our relationship with the people of France, our incredible history and the extent to which our cultures and economic well-being are intertwined.

We Scots have more reason to celebrate that friendship with France than most.

Reflecting the strength of that relationship, Entente Cordiale is the biggest single government programme to promote Scotland overseas since devolution.

The people of France and Scotland have been close since 13th Century. We have a social, economic and cultural affinity with France that has stood firm for most of those 700 years.

The early days of that relationship might have been based on the premise that "my enemy's enemy is my friend" and a sophisticated taste for red wine. But as time developed courage, bravery and loyalty became the hallmarks of our alliance.

2004 is a big year for Scotland on the international stage. Our new democracy has found its feet and now is the time for us to look outwards, beyond our borders and build relationships with others.

In the next few months Scotland will take a higher profile internationally, we will promote ourselves throughout the world - and in particular we will welcome new people to our country - whether it is to visit, do business or live and work.

And with our new parliament and its government maturing, now is the time to foster good relationships with others. And our first port of call must be with those who share a role in our history.

And France is also one of Scotland's most important international business partners, reflecting the long standing relationship between the two countries.

We have an ambitious programme to celebrate Entente Cordiale with more than 30 trade, tourist and cultural events already planned. Scottish artists, musicians, writers and actors will participate in the Scottish cultural programme.

Events will take place across France and range from an exhibition of the Scottish Colourists in Paris, a Charles Rennie Mackintosh exhibition in Port Vendres, a touring architectural exhibition of the Maggie's Centres and Gaelic music at Festivals in Paris and Toulouse.

Created to showcase contemporary Scotland, the programme is designed to influence potential business partners, visitors to Scotland, those who want to come to live and work here and all those who want to know more about this country.

The number of tourists visiting Scotland has increased significantly over the last few years. In 2002, 124,000 people visited Scotland from France. There are now 11 direct flights from Paris to Scottish airports each day.

And while we will welcome more French visitors to Scotland, I hope that Scots will increasingly look to France as a place to visit and do business.

Deputy First Minister and I will be leading the programme, with other Ministerial colleagues in support. Next month I will be visiting Paris for a series of meetings and . Starting with that visit, our engagement will assist Scottish business and promote Scottish products.

In stressing the need for developing economic gain through the programme, it is fitting that we are here today in the Royal Bank of Scotland. I am grateful to Sir Stephen and his directors for making this venue available to us and joining us today.

The Royal Bank of Scotland represents one of the major Scottish companies with significant business interests in France. They are expanding rapidly in international markets and France is one of the most important of these.

I should also like to pay tribute to BT Syntegra for their support by sponsoring the Scottish Programme.

Finally, General de Gaulle came to Edinburgh in 1942 and said "I do not think that a Frenchman would have come to Scotland at any time without being sensible to a special emotional awareness of the thousand links … of the Franco-Scottish alliance."

In every combat where, for five centuries, the destiny of France was at stake, there were always men of Scotland to fight side by side with men of France and what Frenchmen feel is that no people has ever been more generous than yours with its friendship."

Friendship is important but it is best when it is renewed and refreshed. We are highly proud of our heritage in Scotland, but we also need to celebrate that we are a modern, culturally vibrant and dynamic country.

Entente Cordiale is a celebration of the past. But this programme is about Scotland and France today and their future as friends and partners.

It is about emphasising that we are open, for visits, for business, for the arts and science and to those who want to make their home here.

Thank you.