The Scottish Government has not commented publicly about any of the meetings listed in the answer. It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow free and frank exchange of views.

The Minister for External Affairs and International Development met with representatives of the Kurdistan Regional Government within Iraq.

The Minister for External Affairs and International Development met with neither representatives of the Syrian nor Egyptian governments. He did meet with the Turkish Ambassador on 31 October 2013 and Mr Walid Saffour, Ambassador of National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. I should explain the Syrian National Coalition is recognised as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people as it is an inclusive body and as such it provides the best opportunity to secure a peaceful transition of power.

Meetings with representatives of overseas governments are a regular part of ministers work. When appropriate the Scottish Government will issue a statement after a meeting because we may wish to convey our position on a particular issue.

It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow the free and frank exchange of views. Where we think it is appropriate to convey our position on a particular issue, we will make a statement.

No. The Scottish Government publishes information on ministerial engagements and meetings periodically at:

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/People/14944/Events-Engagements/MinisterialEngagements

The meeting was attended by members of the Egyptian diaspora in Scotland and not representatives of the Egyptian government. The reason for the meeting was to hear from the Egyptian community in Scotland how the current situation in Egypt is affecting them.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18376 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

It is our view that private meetings between the Scottish Government and particular key stakeholders are undertaken on a confidential basis, to allow free and frank exchange of views.

I refer the member to the answer to question S4W-18376 on 28 November 2013. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.