John Swinney will meet Donald Trump in the White House later today.
The First Minister travelled to Washington DC as part of a delegation discussing tariffs with Mr Swinney keen to speak to the United States President about whisky.
He has already met with representatives of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Scotch Whisky Association to discuss the tariffs.
They met at Mount Vernon which is the home of US founding father George Washington and the site of a whiskey distillery he opened in 1798.
He also met with His Majesty’s Ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson.
Now Mr Swinney and President Trump will meet in the Oval Office with the meeting expected to last around 30 minutes.
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Mr Swinney said: “When President Trump came to Scotland in July, we raised Scotch whisky with him and got it on the trade deal agenda. Now, with just over a week to go before the President makes a State Visit to the UK, we have a critical chance to follow up and make the case for a better deal.
“Scotch whisky holds a unique position, as it can only legally be produced in Scotland. Scotch whisky and Kentucky bourbon have made common cause. This isn’t a case of US business versus imports to the US. Both agree that they want no tariffs. That’s a real strength.
“Today’s discussions with the President are another chance to make that case and to fight for the very best deal possible for Scotland.”
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