Humza Yousaf
Gabriella Demczuk for TIME

I was pleased to meet First Minister Humza Yousaf for the first time recently at the British-Irish Council. We had a constructive meeting in which we pledged to continue to nurture the very positive relationship between Ireland and Scotland. We will work together to further deepen the links between our two countries from an economic and cultural point of view. I’ve no doubt that as a young, energetic leader, he will serve the Scottish people with the passion and dedication they deserve.

Humza, as the first South Asian leader of Scotland and the first Muslim leader of a Western democracy, has spoken of his belief that coming from a minority background gives him an important perspective when working to make his country a better and more equal place. I can identify with this, and I am pleased to say that Ireland has become a more progressive and equal country in recent years.

My door is always open to Humza to discuss issues of shared interest between our countries.

Varadkar is the Taoiseach of Ireland

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