First Minister of Scotland has met with the President of
the United States Donald Trump in Aberdeenshire.
The meeting took place at MacLeod House on the Menie Estate ahead
of the official opening of the second golf course at Trump
International.
During his meeting with President Trump, Mr Swinney urged the
President to consider economic protections for Scotland's
whisky and salmon sector, including an exemption for whisky
from the 10% tariff applied on UK exports into the
US.
The First Minister was also unequivocal in demanding action to
tackle the “unbearable, unjust and inhumane” situation unfolding
in Gaza, as he urged the President to use his immense influence
to bring an end to the humanitarian crisis.
During their meeting, the First Minister also stressed Scotland's
unwavering support for the people of Ukraine, urging President
Trump to stand firm in defence of democracy and peace against
Russian aggression.
Mr Swinney also presented the President with a proposal to
provide Edinburgh Airport with US Customs pre-clearance
facilities which the First Minister said would help “demonstrate
the strength of America's enduring relationship with its friend
and partner, Scotland”.
Speaking after the meeting, the First Minister said:
“During our discussions, I was able to represent the interests
and values of Scotland directly with the President, specifically,
urging him to make the case for tariff exemptions for our world
class whisky and salmon sector. I believe there is now a window
of opportunity to make the case for whisky and at the invitation
of the President, I intend to make further representation to him
on this matter.
“I implored President Trump to use his immense influence on the
Israeli government to end the unbearable, unjust, and inhumane
situation unfolding in Gaza, and to bring an end to the
humanitarian crisis we are witnessing.
“As a proud country that stands firm on the principles of
equality and freedom for all, I urged President Trump to help
make those ideals – American ideals – a reality for the people of
Ukraine. Scotland has consistently stood with the people of
Ukraine in defence of freedom, peace and a just society, and we
want to see a world where those principles apply to all.”
