The UK and International Relations Office enables the Scottish Parliament to develop and implement its policy on international engagement and its links with other parliaments and overseas organisations. We aim to enhance the profile and reputation of the Scottish Parliament, to exchange knowledge and ideas and develop relationships.

In this section you can find information on:

• Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
• Links with international organisations
• How to contact the UK and International Relations Office and details on arranging a visit

Note that it is unlikely that the UKIRO will be able to facilitate visits during parliamentary recess periods when Members are not in Parliament but working within their constituencies. A web link to a list of all parliamentary recess dates can be found below.
www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/index.htm

UK and International Relations Office's aims, objectives and strategy
The Scottish Parliament is an open, participative and progressive parliament. Other parliaments, governments and organisations around the world often want to meet and learn from us. As a young organisation, we too have much to learn from others with more experience and expertise across the range of the Parliament's responsibilities. Learning from others helps the Parliament and its Members to do a better job. Visits also increase awareness of the Scottish Parliament in the outside world and gives Scotland greater global influence.

The framework for the Scottish Parliament’s international engagement strategy is agreed by the SPCB at the start of each parliamentary Session. The strategy paper for Session 3 sets out the aims and objectives for parliamentary engagement over the current session.

For examples of the work we do, you may also wish to read about the work of the Presiding Officer in representing the Scottish Parliament at home and abroad.

The Standing Orders