NEXT year's NATO summit in Newport will strenghthen Wales' status on the world stage, according to the First Minister.

Last month, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that a summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is to meet at the Celtic Manor Resort next year.

First Minister Carwyn Jones will today speak about the importance of promoting Wales to the world and adopting an outward looking approach in order to benefit the people of Wales.

Addressing a special event to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Wales Centre for International Affairs, the First Minister will say that 2012 and 2013 were landmark years for Wales, with a significant increase in foreign direct inward investment and announcements of major international events, such as next year’s NATO summit

The First Minister said: “In an increasingly globalised world, Wales is a small nation already making great progress.

“Next year’s NATO summit is possibly the biggest diplomatic gathering to be held in Britain, and it is happening here in Wales. If President Obama’s attendance is confirmed, it will be the first visit by a serving US President to Wales, meaning the eyes of the world really will be on us.

“We are already working to make the most of this opportunity, it is a chance for all of Wales to shine and for us to show the importance of Cardiff Airport as a gateway to Wales. I want the world to see all that we have to offer.”

The First Minister will express his commitment to selling Wales to the world through extensive trade missions and expanding the Welsh Government’s foreign offices. He will also speak of the importance of maintaining Wales’ place within the European Union and the crucial role of the Single Market in attracting large global companies to Wales and creating 150,000 jobs in the process.