Thank you, Llywydd. In just over two weeks' time, the United Kingdom will be leaving the European Union. This will fundamentally change the relationship that we have had with our closest neighbours for 40 years—a relationship that has brought positive benefits for Wales in almost all spheres of life. But this is not a statement about Brexit, not about its fact or its form; this is a statement about our place in the world. It may be true to say that we are leaving the European Union, but we are not turning our backs on the EU or the world. We are determined to go on being an outward-looking nation; a nation ready to work and trade with the world; and a globally responsible nation committed to playing our part in combating some of the most challenging issues facing the international community. This, Llywydd, is the very reason why the Government is launching its first international strategy.

Since devolution, Wales has been making its mark on the international stage. We have developed partnerships with countries and regions around the world. We've exchanged ideas about minority languages and technology with the Basque Country and with Ireland. We've planted 10 million trees in Uganda as part of our ongoing work with African countries. And Wales was there at the very beginning when the global Under2 Coalition was founded, and this was the kick start on climate action under the Paris agreement.

We are duty bound to work with other nations around the world for all of our benefits. This is a principle that is central to our identity as a nation. We are proud to host many people who have left their own nations and have made their homes here in Wales. There is no doubt that their contributions enrich our nation in so many different ways. Our award-winning goods and services are exported all over the world, and given that we're a small nation of just three million people we have excelled on the world stage—in the arts and creative industries without forgetting sport, of course. Our heritage, our culture and our breathtaking natural beauty continue to attract tourists from all parts of the world.

As Wales's first Minister for international relations, I thought it was important to bring the achievements of the last 20 years together, and use those as a foundation to set Wales's course in international work for the future, particularly in the shifting political and social climate created by Brexit. Over the last year, we have worked with almost 600 partners and stakeholders to identify our priorities for the years ahead. Welsh Government has an important role in leading this agenda, but it is only through working together that we will be able to amplify our voice around the world.

Our international partners in the UK Government, in voluntary organisations and in other Welsh organisations have already said that they are willing and eager to work with us, and they’ve welcomed the fact that we have developed a cohesive strategy that is ambitious and that will underpin their work, too.

The strategy has three core ambitions over the next five years: to raise Wales’s profile internationally, to grow our economy and to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation. At the heart of the strategy is a recognition that Wales is a modern and vibrant country—a place that fosters talent, that is sustainable, creative and technologically advanced. 

Our people, of course, are our biggest asset, whether here in Wales or overseas. People will be key to driving the success of this strategy. We will nurture the relationships that we have developed over the last 20 years, and we’ll develop new relationships in new emerging markets.