This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's ties with Washington DC
05/04/2006
A new Friends of Scotland Caucus was formally inaugurated today in Washinton DC with the aim of promoting Scottish interests on Capitol Hill.
First Minister Jack McConnell, in attendance with Finance Minister Tom McCabe and Presiding Officer George Reid, said:
"The formal inauguration of the Friends of Scotland Caucus is a great step forward in ensuring our voice is heard on Capitol Hill. I hope that the Caucus will grow to provide a powerful focus for promoting Scotland and Scottish interests at the highest political level in the US.
"I thank the co-founders, Congressmen John Duncan and Mike McIntyre, for taking this forward and for their continued support and call on as many of their colleagues as possible to sign up and help promote Scotland in the US.
"This is just part of the work we are doing to mobilise the Scottish Diaspora across the world. My trips to Cananda, Australia and America have all had a strong focus on energising not just people of Scots descent, but our alumni and those with an affinity and affection for Scotland.
"We also recently launched a Diaspora e-zine that will be received by thousands of people across the world. We want these people to spread the word about the exciting, modern Scotland we are building. If they do, it can only be good for trade, for tourism and for encouraging more Scots to return home to live and work."
Congressman John Duncan said:
"I am pleased to co-chair the Congressional Friends of Scotland Caucus. Scottish heritage runs deep throughout my district in East Tennessee.
"It is my hope that this Caucus will help build even stronger ties between the United States and Scotland in the future."
In a separate event at the World Bank, Mr McCabe spoke about Scotland's role in tackling global poverty and inequality."
He said:
"The international spotlight was on Scotland last year when we hosted the G8 Summit at Gleneagles. I believe that was a very clear signal Scotland has rediscovered its voice and its place on the world stage.
"Our new constitutional arrangements are maturing and this allows us to make an even greater impact on the world in the future, including playing a role in the fight to address global inequality. We have our International Development Policy and have made £3 million a year available which has already supported more than 30 Scottish-led projects.
"Malawi - where we have historical ties dating back more than 150 years to David Livingstone - is a priority for us.
"Our work in international development is no panacea, but it is making a real difference in areas of real need. We are a small country and cannot provide the levels of financial support given by the World Bank or IMF, but Scotland can play an important role in this global fight.
"We genuinely believe Scotland is leading the way and has a model that can be considered by other small countries wanting to work together for a better, more equitable world."