Sturgeon flies to United States to set out international affairs approach
Nicola Sturgeon will visit Washington DC next week as she sets out the Scottish Government’s interests in global issues.
Ahead of her trip, Nicola Sturgeon said she is “determined” Scotland will continue to be “a good global citizen”, adding the Scottish Government will continue to make a “constructive contribution” in addressing global issues.
The First Minister will take part in a range of engagements focused on the issues of climate, energy security and the war in Ukraine.
Her visit includes a keynote speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC.
She will also meet congressional groups and discuss ways to create a greener, fairer and more equitable economy with executives of companies operating across the Atlantic.
Ms Sturgeon said: “The pandemic and the climate and biodiversity emergencies prove in the starkest possible way that we live in an interconnected world and it is more important than ever that Scotland plays its part. The crisis in Ukraine underlines how interconnected these challenges are, and all countries have a role to play in meeting them.
“We are determined that Scotland continues to be a good global citizen, making a constructive contribution to addressing global challenges such as climate change.
“Our international activity creates opportunities at home, broadens our horizons, attracts high-quality investment and ultimately benefits our people.”
However Donald Cameron, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, said: “Just a few days after the local elections and Nicola Sturgeon has already abandoned local issues to jet off on an ‘indy tour’ to the United States.
“The vast majority of Scots don’t want a referendum on Nicola Sturgeon’s timeline, yet instead of focusing on the issues Scots really care about the First Minister would rather promote independence abroad at the taxpayer’s expense.
“The Scottish public will be outraged to see the First Minister taking her eye off the ball so soon after local elections.
“Nicola Sturgeon should be focusing on tackling her government’s woeful record here at home, instead of taking the SNP’S obsession with independence on tour.”