Speaking on St David’s Day, the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said: “Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus - Happy St David’s Day!

“Wales’ influence expands beyond the land borders of our country – so I am extending this greeting not just to everyone here in Wales, but to all those who have adopted Wales as their home; to all those who are far from home but always Welsh at heart and to the many people in every corner of the world with links to Wales.

“Each and every one of you play a part in making Wales the proud and confident nation it is.

“Wales is, and will remain, an outward looking nation.

“We may be a small country of just over three million people – but the impact we make across the world is considerable.

“Over the last few years we’ve been working hard to raise our international profile and we’re reaping the benefits of this work.

“We’ve seen record inward investment; record tourism figures and become renowned for our quality products, which are exported across the globe.

“We have a talented, skilled and dedicated workforce in Wales. We’ve got great links with the rest of the UK and with continental Europe.

“But most of all, it’s the people of Wales who make the difference.

“We have a rich history of welcoming people from other countries to come and live, work and study in Wales.

“In the spirit of St David’s Day, and in the spirit of Welsh tradition, I want to say to all the people who have chosen to make Wales their home, you are always welcome here. We are at a crucial junction in our political and social history – the relationship between the UK and Europe is about to change in a way that will be felt for generations to come.

“Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the relationship we have with our friends throughout Europe and the rest of the world will never diminish. Wales is a European nation and always will be.

“Wherever you are celebrating today – in Wales or elsewhere in the world – I wish you a very happy St David’s Day.”