Rhodri Morgan: Takes Europe seriously

He believes that its not just in Belgium that the assembly needs to hone its European strategy.

But Rhodri Morgan said the opening of the new Brussels office shows the assembly is taking its role in Europe seriously.

"The assembly has wide responsibility for implementing in Wales policies developed at European level and it is vital that we play a more active role in the way these policies are framed," he said.

"We also need to keep a watching brief on broader European issues which will impact deeply on Wales.

"I attach high priority to raising Wales' profile around Europe and its institutions. We have many positive advantages in terms of recent political developments and the renewed interest in Wales these have created in many other countries and regions across Europe."

The assembly already has two officials based permanently in Brussels with diplomatic status.

Its new office comes under the umbrella of the UK Permanent Representation.