The Scottish and Welsh Governments have signed a new agreement today committing them to closer cooperation on poverty, living standards, economic growth, climate change and relations with Europe.

First Ministers John Swinney and Rhun ap Iorwerth signed the Cardiff Agreement as both governments pledged to share evidence, develop policy together and strengthen links between ministers and officials.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation between Edinburgh and Cardiff across areas where the two devolved governments believe they have common interests.

Tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families are among the priorities identified.

The cost of living, improving living standards and developing sustainable and inclusive economic growth will also form part of the relationship.

Scotland and Wales will work together on climate change and strengthening resilience to its effects, while international engagement and relations with the European Union are also included.

Language, culture, media and sport complete the principal areas identified for closer cooperation.

The agreement comes on a significant day for relations between the governments and nationalist parties of Scotland and Wales.

Swinney and ap Iorwerth have also joined Sinn Féin leaders Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill in Cardiff today, with the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin signing a separate memorandum committing the three parties to closer political cooperation.

The Cardiff Agreement, however, is an agreement between the Scottish and Welsh Governments rather than between political parties.

Swinney said:

“The signing of the Cardiff Agreement is an important moment in the history of devolution.

“It will improve the way the Scottish and Welsh Governments work together on our shared priorities so we can deliver better outcomes for the people we serve.

“The Agreement reflects a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

“Distinct approaches will still be necessary, but we share common goals and a commitment to learn from each other.

“The new era of co-operation represented by the signing of this Agreement will be underpinned by a shared belief that the people of Scotland and Wales are best placed to decide their own constitutional future and should not be held back by a UK system that does not work for our nations.”

First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth said:

“Today’s agreement sets out areas of shared interest on which we as First Ministers and our respective governments will collaborate in the coming years, to strengthen democracy and improve outcomes for the people of Wales and Scotland.

“While Wales and Scotland are on different constitutional journeys, we both share a commitment to strong, accountable devolved government, and to a relationship between the governments of these islands built on trust and mutual respect.

“We share a belief that our people should decide their own future, and that the Union isn’t working fairly for either nation.

“We will use every opportunity available to us to press the case for greater fairness for Wales and Scotland and for powers over our constitutional futures.”

The agreement therefore reaches beyond cooperation on public policy, with both First Ministers explicitly linking the new relationship to their belief that Scotland and Wales should ultimately determine their own constitutional futures.