Presiding Officer signs up to closer ties with British Council to increase Assembly’s profile on the international stage

7 December 2011

The National Assembly for Wales’s Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, today (7 December) signed an agreement with the British Council that sets out principles which will underpin the relationship between the Assembly and the Council and outlines how the two bodies will work together.

The concordat states that the National Assembly and the British Council will work together to:

• promote Wales on the international stage;

• achieve a better understanding of the relevance of the British Council’s work in Wales;

• strengthen and broaden a range of mutually beneficial activities, with particular emphasis on creating opportunities for young people;

• promote respect, understanding and harmony between Wales and other countries worldwide.

“This is a significant step for the National Assembly for Wales,” said Mrs Butler.

“A strong and fruitful working relationship between the Assembly and the British Council will raise the profile of the National Assembly here and in other countries around the world.

“The Assembly has already been singled out for praise around its work in e-democracy and public engagement by a number of overseas legislatures.

“As a young parliament, we are committed to learning from others, but by raising our profile internationally, there may also be an opportunity for other parliaments, throughout the world, to learn from us.”

Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of the British Council, said: “I am delighted to be a co-signatory to this agreement.

“It signals strengthening ties between the work of the British Council and the work of the National Assembly.

“We look forward to building international links in and for Wales, and helping Wales present its distinct cultural and educational assets on the world stage.