Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood has welcomed a commitment from Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond to initiate a Welsh-Scottish Economic Forum following a ‘Yes’ vote in this September’s referendum.
Following a meeting with Alex Salmond during which both leaders discussed common economic goals, Ms Wood said:
“Plaid Cymru has consistently argued that the emergence of an independent Scotland would be in Wales’ economic, social and political interests.
Scotland is already an important trading partner and with the full tools of independence our common aims of boosting the economies of our two countries will be enhanced.
“The commitment to building closer economic ties between our two countries has been demonstrated by First Minister Salmond’s intentions to establish a joint economic forum between Wales and Scotland. Such a forum could bring together our businesses and universities to collaborate on a range of economic opportunities such as renewable energy projects and natural resources.
“Our countries enjoy a strong relationship and following a ‘Yes’ vote in September this will be renewed and strengthened further.”
Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said:
“The SNP values our friendship and long-standing relationship with Wales. Independence for Scotland offers us all a chance to rebalance the economy of these islands and to do so in a way that ensures we can all benefit from our strengths and resources.
“Following a Yes vote this September, the Scottish Government will seek to build on this relationship by establishing a special economic forum to ensure that we maximise opportunities for business and trade between Scotland and Wales.”
