Scots first as Salmond meets Clinton

Published on Monday 23 February 2009 22:50

ALEX Salmond became the first Scottish First Minister to meet a US secretary of state yesterday when he held talks with Hillary Clinton.

Mr Salmond, who is in Washington for a series of Homecoming events, spent about 25 minutes with Mrs Clinton yesterday.

They discussed climate change, the Scottish Government's Saltire Prize for renewable energy developments and green energy.

After his meeting, Mr Salmond said: "Scotland and America share many ties of family and friendship and there is a strong bond between our two nations.

"This is an exciting time for the US – as Hillary Clinton has said, it is a new era for America. Today's meeting will also mark, I hope, the start of a new period of deepening friendship and partnership between our two nations."

He added: "We had a productive discussion that touched on issues around the shared global challenge of climate change.

"The secretary of state was clearly impressed by the idea of a small country making a large contribution to a global issue while I welcome the huge prominence of green energy in the US recovery plan."

Mr Salmond will address an international Burns' symposium in Washington today before hosting a reception to promote Homecoming.