SCOTLAND’S First Minister has welcomed the President of the European Commission ahead of her meeting with the US President Donald Trump.
John Swinney met with Ursula von der Leyen in Glasgow on Saturday evening, where they discussed several topics, including the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU), Scotland’s “important partnership” with Europe and the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
The First Minister said that during the meeting, he supported the EU’s demands for free and safe humanitarian aid in Gaza amid the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
He said: “I was pleased to welcome the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to Scotland.
“During our meeting, I outlined Scotland's continued support for the European Union's leadership in demanding free and safe humanitarian aid in Gaza, alongside efforts to bring an end to the unbearable suffering unfolding.
“I also took the opportunity to reiterate Scotland’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the country’s commitment to work with European partners on key issues, including energy.”
Von der Leyen’s meeting with Swinney comes ahead of her talks with the US President which are expected to be held later on Sunday.
It is expected the two leaders will discuss the trading relationship between Europe and the US during the meeting.
Trump is also expected to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday, where the pair are also expected to focus their discussions on the issue of trade.
The UK and the US struck a trade deal recently, with discussions between the two men expected to focus on this – with reports suggesting Starmer will be looking for the US to cut the tariffs for British steel.
Trump is also due to meet Swinney when he travels to Aberdeen at the start of next week.
Speaking ahead of the talks, Swinney said it was his responsibility to “raise global and humanitarian issues of significant importance, including the unimaginable suffering we are witnessing in Gaza” with the President.
Saying he wanted to “ensure Scotland’s voice is heard at the highest levels of government across the world”.
Swinney added: “That is exactly what I will do when I meet with President Trump during his time in Scotland.”
