11. 8. Statement: Wales for Africa

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:21 pm on 22 November 2016.

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Photo of Steffan Lewis Steffan Lewis Plaid Cymru 6:21, 22 November 2016

(Translated)

I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his statement today. Also, I extend our congratulations as a group to the Wales for Africa programme. Of course, Plaid Cymru is entirely supportive of the collaboration between Wales and developing nations and this programme is a great example of that.

Such relationships are of course beneficial to us and to those nations, but from Wales’s point of view, it’s certainly beneficial to us as we make a difference, we share expertise and provide unforgettable experience for people from this country. I do think that the programme and policy more broadly could benefit if the Government could consider publishing quantitative outcomes in order to build on the excellent work that has been done with some intention to expand the policy in future. I would appreciate the Minister’s comments on this point in terms of how we can outline the outputs.

In the current political climate, would the Cabinet Secretary accept that the need is greater than ever to build an international Wales? If he does agree with that, would he agree to recommend to the First Minister to introduce to this Assembly a strategy for an international policy for Wales, which would include a commitment to a humanitarian policy, which would be more broadly built on the very firm foundations set by the Wales for Africa programme? As some in this state try to isolate us, the Welsh Government must make a decision to do the opposite. By building a uniquely Welsh brand, through policies such as this one, we can promote Wales as an open place, a good place to invest in, and a good place to develop relationships internationally. So, I would appreciate the personal comments of the Cabinet Secretary—and perhaps he will take the opportunity, as the First Minister isn’t in the Chamber, to be more open on this. Is he in favour of developing a paradiplomacy policy for Wales that would be broad and would include humanitarian policy, and would take consideration of the current political climate?