We want to be involved in the future of Europe while developing our respective countries in the best possible way

Artur Mas Catalan Prime Minister

"This is a very historic day for Scotland, for our new parliament and for the devolved government in the Scottish Executive," Mr McConnell said.

"This is our first partnership agreement with colleagues from elsewhere in Europe and we're very proud it will be with the Catalan Government.

"Our friendship and our partnership has grown stronger year after year as we both try to ensure the interests of the people we represent are secured in the 21st century."

Financial powers

Prime Minister Mas said issues such as architecture, agriculture, housing and public administration, were of vital interests to the citizens of both Scotland and Catalonia.

"These are things which worry people and can make a country improve in the future," he said.

"Both Catalonia and Scotland are two of the leading regions in Europe and we want to be involved in the future of Europe while developing our respective countries in the best possible way."

Jack McConnell: "Historic day for Scotland"

In modern Catalonia, the autonomous government is controlled by the Catalan Party - Convergence and Union - and Catalan is the official language of all state-run schools.

Jordi Pujol, Catalonia's president, has also visited Scotland.

In 1999 he won a further four years in office following an election contest with Pasqual Maragall.

Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party said the parliament should follow the Catalonian Government's lead and push for full financial powers.

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said: "Catalonia is a prime example of not leaving a job half done.

"Artur Mas is sending a clear message to Madrid, that Catalonia wants financial independence.

"Yet our first minister, and his government, spend their time fighting those who want to see more powers for the Scottish Parliament."