Plans to increase the number of developing countries which benefit from Scottish aid were unveiled yesterday by the executive.
Linda Fabiani, the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, also confirmed that the executive wanted to double the amount of money its spends on international aid from £4.5m to £9m.
Malawi has been the main beneficiary of Scotland's international aid efforts, with millions of pounds being given to education and health projects there.
Other sub-Saharan countries have benefited to a lesser extent, while aid was also made available to help in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004 and the Pakistan earthquake the following year.
Appearing before the parliament's European and external relations committee for the first time yesterday, Ms Fabiani said the executive wanted to build on the work which was begun by the previous administration. In particular, she said ministers wanted to help other countries with Scottish connections, such as those visited by the explorer David Livingstone.
She said: "We have the commitment to Malawi, but we are also aware that there are other places that need assistance."
She added: "I will be looking at having strategic discussions with those who have knowledge in the field to see how we can expand our international development."
However, the minister insisted she did not want to "throw money" at the problem.
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