Relations with Stateless Nations

Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 3:07 pm on 30 January 2019.

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Photo of Nick Ramsay Nick Ramsay Conservative 3:07, 30 January 2019

Minister, this is the first time I've questioned you in your new role, so congratulations on your appointment. I think it's great that there is this renewed focus and emphasis on fostering international relations between the Assembly and other, sometimes troubled, parts of the world.

I see from my diary that on Thursday you're hosting an event in the Senedd setting out your international strategy with key stakeholders—Wales on the world stage. Love Zimbabwe will be represented at that event by two of my constituents, Dave and Martha Holman. I hope you get a chance to catch up with them. The situation in Zimbabwe is truly tragic. The joy and hope of just a matter of months ago has now been replaced with more bloodshed and sadness and sorrow. Can I ask that, as part of your renewed international strategy, there is a focus on holding out a helping hand to the people of Zimbabwe, whether they be in Zimbabwe or whether, like my constituents, they be living here in Wales? The people from Zimbabwe that I know really do feel great affection for Wales and are very grateful for the warmth and affection they've had from the Welsh people, so I think it would be excellent if you could look into fostering a relationship with that particularly troubled part of the world.