Nicola Sturgeon visits Berlin to 'share Scotland's perspective on Europe'

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is today visiting Berlin to “build diplomatic links with the German government” and discuss with leaders how to strengthen ties between Germany and Scotland.

Sturgeon will participate in a roundtable with the German Council on foreign relations and will meet with the German Chambers of Commerce, and the German Europe Minister “to share Scotland’s perspective on Europe”.

She said engagement with EU nations in the run up to the October 31 Brexit date “is important that our friends and neighbours in the EU know that Scotland remains a committed European nation”.

“Scotland is an outward-looking European nation with a strong relationship with Germany and we are committed to further developing cultural, economic and political links,” Sturgeon said.

“Scotland is open and it is vital that message is heard across the European Union.

“Our desire for continued EU membership is about far more than self-interest. The EU’s fundamental values are ones we cherish - freedom, democracy, the rule of law, equality, and respect for human dignity and human rights.

“There is still a very real risk of the UK leaving the European Union without a deal. That would damage our economy and communities and I will do everything in my power to stop that happening.

“At a time when the rule-based international order is under threat, the EU exemplifies the benefits of co-operation and solidarity. For all of these reasons Scotland sees the EU as a natural home.”