This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Deputy First Minister on visit to Bavaria
24/06/2002
Justice Minister Jim Wallace will meet with his Bavarian
counterpart, Justice Minister Dr Manfred Weiss, during a
two-day visit to Munich which begins today.
Mr Wallace, who is also the Deputy First
MInister, is undertaking a series of meetings during the
visit, including a breakfast meeting with the Bavarian
Minister for Europe, Reinhold Bocklet.
The Ministers will discuss a number of issues, including
talks on further co-operation and policy areas of mutual
interest. They will also explore how devolved
administrations can play a full part in discussion on
European matters.
Mr Wallace said:
"Justice is at the heart of the European agenda. It is
the single biggest area for discussion at European Union
level.
"Only by intensifying the co-operation between member
states can we tackle the threats of organised crime and
international terrorism. We want to guarantee our citizens
the security they have the right to demand and expect and
ensure that all European citizens enjoy the benefits of the
area of freedom, security and justice to which the European
Union is committed to creating.
"The voice of the regions will be crucial in giving the
European Union greater legitimacy in the eyes of its
citizens and I am looking forward to productive discussions
with my Bavarian counterpart about how we can best secure
this in the forthcoming negotiations on the Future of
Europe.
"Closer partnership between regions has a key role to
play in bringing about a more effective co-operation. That
is why I very much welcome these talks with my Bavarian
counterpart.
Mr Wallace will also meet with the President of the
Bavarian Superior Court Herr Peter Gummer. Herr Gummer is
Chairman of the Presidential Committee which is involved in
the nomination and appointment of judges. The two day
programme includes a visit to Landsberg prison in
Bavaria.
On Tuesday, Mr Wallace will attend a reception in Munich
hosted by Scottish Development International to promote
Scottish biotechnology to German venture capital
companies.