FIRST Minister Rhodri Morgan hailed as a success a trip to New York to promote Wales. Mr Morgan paid an emotional visit to the remains of the World Trade Centre during the four-day tour.

And he announced the establishment of a network of offices to promote Welsh trade and tourism, with the first opening in the city later this year.

He said: "Wales may be a country that most New Yorkers have never heard of but there are two opportunities we must not let go of to make an impact.

"First there is the establishment of the Assembly, and second the Ryder Cup." The Ryder Cup in 2010 will see the world's top golfers descend on the country's courses for the game's most prestigious tournament.

Mr Morgan revealed plans to set up a network of promotional offices called Wales International.

The plan will see offices in cities including Chicago, Tokyo, Hong Kong and San Francisco, with the first being unveiled in New York later this year.

The offices will use some of Wales' key assets to encourage tourism and investment. He saw the devastation caused at the World Trade Centre and talked with police and firefighters who saved thousands of lives on September 11.

The First Minister laid a wreath "on behalf of the people of Wales", and talked with police still working at the site.

*PICTURED: The First Minister gets in some golfing practice watched by Sir Terry Matthews (left). Kneeling is Richard Hills, European Ryder Cup director,and Philip Evans, chairman of the Wales Tourist Board.