A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) exhibition, open to the public from 9 to 11 March at the Kelvin Gallery, is being used to highlight why foreign affairs matter and why the work of the FCO at home and abroad affects daily life in the UK.

The exhibition, 'Accommodating Diplomacy: from Fine Rooms to Flat Packs', will also show how British diplomatic buildings have evolved over the years and how the latest design solutions are producing British Embassies and Consulates overseas to meet the UK's future needs.

The exhibition is linked to a seminar organised by the FCO with the Scottish Executive held in Glasgow yesterday, 9 March 2004, where Scottish people were asked their views about issues relating to Iraq, Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction and International Drugs Trafficking, as well as the EU.

The 'Linking Local; Thinking Global' seminar, focused on the relevance of the Government's new international priorities to people living in Scotland.

Speaking at the event Mike O'Brien, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, said:

'Many Scottish people play a vital role in representing and carrying out the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office around the world. This seminar and exhibition highlights their work and the department's history and future direction.'

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For further information please contact the FCO Press Office Tel: 0131 244 9062 or the University Press Office Tel: 0141 330 3535.

First published: 10 March 2004