To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, pursuant to AQW 5568/22-27, to detail (i) the work that has been carried out on the development of a new international relations strategy since February 2024; and (ii) when a draft strategy will be brought to the Executive for approval.

We have asked officials to consider a new strategy that will support the delivery of priorities as set out in the draft Programme for Government.

As part of that work, they have engaged at official level across Departments to deepen our understanding of the existing partnerships and opportunities that exist. This has included discussions with our overseas offices and delivery partners, as well as key stakeholders such as Academia and Local Government on emerging priorities in the current global context.