Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

UK and Mauritius have reached a historic agreement to secure the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

• UK government agrees a deal with Mauritius today to settle historic sovereignty claims, protect our national security and close a potential illegal migration route
• deal ensures long term secure operation of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, a vital facility for maintaining international security
• agreement protects UK interests and those of international partners, with strong US backing

The UK and Mauritius have reached a historic agreement to secure the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a crucial role in regional stability and international security.

For the first time in more than 50 years, the status of the base will be undisputed and legally secure, following a political agreement between the UK and Mauritius.

The agreement underpins the UK’s steadfast duty to keep the country safe, with the operation of the military base unchanged, in an increasingly volatile world.

The previous government started negotiations on the future of British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago, but years after the negotiations began issues have remained unresolved.

The agreement is strongly supported by international partners including the United States, which has joint operation of the strategic military base.

Without today’s agreement, the long-term, secure operation of the military base would be under threat, with contested sovereignty and legal challenges – including through various international courts and tribunals.

The agreement demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to safeguarding global security and averting threats to peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and wider Indo-Pacific. It sees Mauritius assume sovereignty over BIOT, with the UK authorised to exercise the sovereign rights of Mauritius on Diego Garcia.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This government inherited a situation where the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia military base was under threat, with contested sovereignty and ongoing legal challenges.

Today’s agreement secures this vital military base for the future. It will strengthen our role in safeguarding global security, shut down any possibility of the Indian Ocean being used as a dangerous illegal migration route to the UK, as well as guaranteeing our long-term relationship with Mauritius, a close Commonwealth partner.

Diego Garcia has also seen a small number of vulnerable migrants arrive since 2021, subsequently launching asylum claims. The agreement will shut down any possibility of the Indian Ocean being used as a dangerous illegal migration route to the UK, with Mauritius taking responsibility for any future arrivals.

This week’s political agreement is subject to a treaty and supporting legal instruments being finalised. Both sides have committed to complete this as quickly as possible.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

The governments of the Republic of Mauritius and the UK gave a statement on the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

Joint statement between the governments of the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia:

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland today confirm that they have reached an historic political agreement on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.

Following two years of negotiation, this is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law.  Negotiations have been conducted in a constructive and respectful manner, as equal sovereign States, on the basis of international law, and with the intention of resolving all outstanding issues between the United Kingdom and Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including those relating to its former inhabitants.

Today’s political agreement is subject to the finalisation of a treaty and supporting legal instruments, which both sides have committed to complete as quickly as possible. Under the terms of this treaty the United Kingdom will agree that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. At the same time, both our countries are committed to the need, and will agree in the treaty, to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security.  For an initial period of 99 years, the United Kingdom will be authorised to exercise with respect to Diego Garcia the sovereign rights and authorities of Mauritius required to ensure the continued operation of the base well into the next century.

The treaty will address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians.  Mauritius will now be free to implement a programme of resettlement on the islands of the Chagos Archipelago, other than Diego Garcia, and the UK will capitalise a new trust fund, as well as separately provide other support, for the benefit of Chagossians.

It will also herald a new era of economic, security and environmental partnership between our two nations. To enable this partnership the UK will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius.  This will include an indexed annual payment for the duration of the agreement and the establishment of a transformational infrastructure partnership, underpinned by UK grant funding, to deliver strategic projects generating meaningful change for ordinary Mauritians and boosting economic development across the country.  More broadly, the UK and Mauritius will cooperate on environmental protection, maritime security, combating illegal fishing, irregular migration and drug and people trafficking within the Chagos Archipelago, with the shared objective of securing and protecting one of the world’s most important marine environments.  This will include the establishment of a Mauritian Marine Protected Area.

In resolving all outstanding issues between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, the treaty will open a new chapter in our shared history, one which will continue to be based on mutual respect and trust as close Commonwealth partners committed to the security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region.  In reaching today’s political agreement, we have enjoyed the full support and assistance of our close partners, the United States of America and the Republic of India.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

Mr Hugo Shorter has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran in succession to Mr Simon Shercliff CMG OBE. Mr Shorter will take up his appointment in October 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Hugo Benedict Shorter

Year	Role
2022 to 2023	Doha, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, UK Mission to Afghanistan
2019 to 2022	FCDO, Director, Americas and Small Island Developing States
2018 to 2019	FCO, Interim Director, Communications Directorate
2015 to 2018	Beirut, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2012 to 2015	FCO, Head, Europe Directorate (External) and European Correspondent
2007 to 2012	Paris, Counsellor, Europe and Global Issues
2004 to 2007	Brasilia, Deputy Head of Mission
1990 to 2004	FCO roles including UKDel NATO (arms control, European defence); Head of Trade Policy Team, Europe Union Department (External); Private Secretary to the Minister of State; Deputy Head, North East Asia and Pacific Department
1988 to 1990	KPMG; Lovell White Durrant

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

Government set to help hundreds of British nationals leave Lebanon in the coming days, as they are urged to get the first flight available.

• comes after more than 150 British nationals and dependents left Beirut on a government-chartered flight yesterday and the Defence Secretary visited troops in Cyprus working on contingency planning
• UK and partners continue to call for de-escalation in the region and urge all parties to step back from the brink

The UK government has chartered a limited number of flights from Lebanon to support British nationals to leave the country in response to the deteriorating security situation.

To meet the demand for the charter flight on Wednesday, additional flights will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport from Thursday. The flights will continue for as long as the security situation allows.

The UK continues to work with partners to increase capacity on commercial flights for British nationals. Around 700 troops and Foreign Office and Home Office staff, including Border Force officers, have been deployed to Cyprus for contingency planning.

British nationals who have registered their presence with the government will be sent details on how to request a seat. Those who have not already registered their presence in Lebanon are urged to do so immediately.

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document. Dependants who are not British nationals will require a valid visa that has been granted for a period of stay in the UK of more than 6 months.

British nationals and their dependants should not travel to the airport unless they have a seat booked on a plane.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Recent events have demonstrated the volatility of the situation in Lebanon.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our number one priority. That’s why we are announcing additional chartered flights to help those who want to leave.

I urge all British nationals still in Lebanon to register with the FCDO and leave the country immediately.

UK government officials have been working round the clock in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. A FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

Yesterday (2 October) Defence Secretary John Healey MP travelled to Cyprus to meet and thank military personnel who are deployed as part of contingency planning to support British nationals in Lebanon. He also met with his Cypriot counterpart Vasilis Palmas. They discussed the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East as well as the country’s support for humanitarian operations.

The Defence Secretary also held a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to express the UK’s condemnation of the Iranian attack and call for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Lebanon.

The FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The UK continues to call for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.

Background

• British nationals and dependants will be eligible to request a space on the flight. Any non-British dependants will require a visa to enter the UK, granted for a period of stay in the UK of longer than 6 months, in line with usual immigration rules and entry process
• the FCDO launched the register your presence in Lebanon service on Wednesday 25 September 2024
• a limited number of commercial flights are still operating and the FCDO has been working with partners to increase capacity to enable British nationals to leave
• the FCDO has been advising British nationals to leave Lebanon since October 2023

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 October 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Tánaiste Micheál Martin issued a joint communiqué following their meeting in Dublin on 3 October 2024.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomed UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Iveagh House on 3 October 2024.  Following the September visit by Prime Minister Starmer to Dublin, the visit provided an important opportunity to underscore the commitment to and ambition of both Governments for the British Irish relationship.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary Lammy were joined by Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations who updated them on the meeting of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels yesterday. They agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship and looked forward to further work to strengthen cooperation.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary placed a particular focus on investing in connections between our people, supporting sustainable economic growth through increased trade and investment, and deepening key strategic links that deliver in the long-term for both our countries.

Looking ahead to the first annual UK-Ireland Summit in March 2025, given the common global and security challenges that we face, they agreed to intensify cooperation on foreign and security policy issues as well instituting annual political consultations at senior official level.  They agreed to explore closer co-operation on peacebuilding.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary focussed also on pressing global and security concerns.

Following their recent engagements at the United Nations, they emphasised the critical importance of protecting multilateralism and international law. They underlined both countries’ resolute support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal war.  At what is a critical moment in the Middle East, they agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and renewed focus on a two-state solution which is the only viable path to lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians.

They condemned Iranian attacks on Israel, expressed deep concern about spiralling violence in the region and agreed the need for an immediate ceasefire between Hizballah and Israel. A political solution is the only way to restore stability and security for those innocent people living either side of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

They discussed opportunities to work together on international development and the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition, and on climate action, where both ministers looked forward to COP 29 and the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s plans for a Global Clean Power Alliance.

Recognising the fundamental role of both governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary touched also on developments in Northern Ireland, welcoming the importance of the constructive early engagements with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. They noted the importance of the full and faithful implementation of the Windsor Framework, as well as engagement between the Irish and UK governments as the UK government works to repeal and replace the Legacy Act.

The Tánaiste and the Foreign Secretary agreed on the importance of a positive UK-EU relationship, noting that the EU and the UK are like-minded partners with shared values facing a globally challenging environment. They agreed that there is real potential for the UK and the EU to work further together to mutual benefit. They welcomed the recent agreement of Prime Minister Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take forward an ambitious agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace over the coming months.

Finally, they welcomed the ambition for the relationship, as reflected by Ireland’s decision to open a new Ireland House in central London in 2026. Delivering on commitments in the Global Ireland Strategy, Ireland House will bring Ireland’s Embassy and state agencies together under one roof for the first time and is a clear expression of intent and confidence in the UK-Ireland relationship into the future.

Modelled on the successful Ireland Houses in operation or under development across the globe, including New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo, the investment will underpin a trading partnership worth €120 billion annually, as well as rich cultural, community and diaspora relationships. It also builds on Ireland’s government investment across Great Britain in recent years, including the opening of a new Consulate General in Manchester in 2021, and deepened partnerships with Scotland and Wales.

The Tánaiste and Foreign Secretary look forward to advancing a programme of cooperation that will further underscore relationship renewal in the period ahead.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on cooperation between the UN and the African Union.

I will make three points.

First, the UK welcomes the African Union’s leadership in championing multilateralism and supporting stability and prosperity across Africa. We praise the AU’s work driving and sustaining peace and security on the continent and its focus on putting women and youth at the centre of peace-making, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

We welcome African leadership in this council and have long supported permanent African representation.

Second, we reaffirm our support for the deepening cooperation and partnership between the UN and the AU to advance our shared objectives. This is especially evident in Somalia.

We express our gratitude to the AU and troop contributing countries who, with the coordination and input of the UN Support Office for Somalia, have worked tirelessly to improve security in Somalia through the ATMIS mission.

We look forward to receiving the proposals by the UN and AU, in consultation with Somalia and international stakeholders, finalising the mission design for ATMIS’ successor, in line with Resolution 2748.

It is imperative that the final mission is financially viable and deliverable, and that it supports Somalia’s efforts to eventually assume full responsibility for, and ownership of, its security.

Third, we welcome the work of the joint UN-AU taskforce to prepare implementation of Resolution 2719, including in the critical areas of joint planning and decision making, financing and budgeting, human rights compliance, and protection of civilians. Sustained close collaboration between the UN and the AU will be essential to ensure 2719’s success.

We encourage member states to continue to support the AU in developing their frameworks. We look forward to receiving the joint roadmap, including a realistic assessment of needs and timeframes, and welcome this Council being kept updated on progress.

President, in conclusion, the UK looks forward to further collaboration, cooperation and partnership between the UN and the AU. This will be vital to help silence the guns and tackle the greatest challenges and conflicts on the continent.

We look forward to the consultations between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council later this month.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.

Let me start by thanking the Secretary General for his briefing, and reiterate our full and unequivocal support to him and to the UN as they seek to address this crisis.

The events this week are gravely concerning. Yesterday the Iranian regime launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. We categorically condemn this act of aggression, which escalates an already dangerous situation. As my Prime Minister said yesterday, Israel has our full support in exercising its right to defend itself against Iranian aggression.

President, we are deeply concerned about the prospect of further escalation in Lebanon and across the region.

We have been clear: All our efforts now must be on stopping this cycle of violence. Iran and its allies across the region must exercise restraint and step away from the brink.

We have been clear: my Foreign Secretary has consistently called for a ceasefire in Lebanon, by Lebanese Hizballah and Israel, and the implementation of a political plan in line with UNSCR 1701.

We have been clear: in Gaza, we need an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages. My Foreign Secretary has urged both Israel and Hamas to agree the ceasefire deal on the table. To choose peace and bring this chaos to an end.

Peace, not war, is the courageous option. It is also the best option to secure stability and security for Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese and the wider region.

President, my Prime Minister has been working urgently to gather support for a political solution to this crisis. Only a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza would create the space to agree a political plan, consistent with UNSCR 1701, that allows for the sustainable return of displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians to their homes.

Innocent civilians in Israel and in Lebanon have been displaced from their homes for too long already. The only way they will return is through a sustainable peace across the Blue Line. The conflict in Lebanon is causing devastating consequences for civilians, especially for women and children, and draws us closer to a wider regional conflict.

President, we cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza. With mounting civilian casualties and hundreds of thousands of displaced people, all parties must do everything possible to protect civilians and fully respect international humanitarian law.

A widening of the conflict is in no-one’s interest. The actions taken now will impact a generation. I call on all actors to step back from the brink and find a political resolution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says the UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad and will continue for as long as is needed as the cost of inaction would be far higher.

Thank you, Mr Chair. Last week Russia continued in its attempts to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. There can be no justifications for a war that Russia initiated, unprovoked. In doing so Russia attempted to mislead this Forum. By invading a sovereign state Russia has wilfully violated the Vienna Document and the Helsinki Final Act, foundation documents to which we are all signatories, and which underpin diplomacy here in this Forum.

The bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people in defence of their homeland has been an inspiration. In pursuit of Ukraine’s inherent sovereign right to exist as an independent nation, they have unsurprisingly garnered support from around the world.

Compare this to the actions of the Russian military who, this weekend, conducted a ‘double-tap’ strike on the Saint Panteleimon Clinical Hospital in the Sumy Region, killing 10 people and injuring at least 22 others. most of those killed and wounded were first responders, hit 45 minutes after the first strike, as they attempted to evacuate those initially wounded. This is yet another violation of the Code of Conduct which obliges armed forms to comply with international law.

Two years, 226 days into this horrific conflict, the Russian state continues to issue threats in an effort to subjugate the Ukrainian people and deter others from providing such support. But the Russian state cannot be allowed to operate with impunity: its war in Ukraine is the defining struggle for our generation and profoundly challenges the UN Charter and the international order on which global prosperity and security depends.

The reality is that this war is proving costly to the Russian people. Military operations in Ukraine have cost Russia up to $211 billion.  The militarisation of the economy is punishing the Russian people, with approximately 40% of the federal budget spent on Defence and security

Despite the appalling losses on both sides of the conflict, the Russian state presses on with little regard for the lives of its own soldiers. Russian air force personnel have been backfilling infantry roles due to the restricted Russian labour market. Russian fighting capability is depleted as it struggles to replace high casualty rates.

Russia can end this terrible war of choice immediately, by withdrawing its forces from Ukraine. The UK will continue to deliver £3 billion of military aid to Ukraine every year for as long as needed. The UK’s military, financial, diplomatic and political support for Ukraine is iron-clad – that includes backing calls for a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, to support efforts to hold Putin’s Russia to account for its illegal war.

The UK recognises that we must lay the foundations for Ukraine’s long-term future.  We will accelerate Ukraine’s irreversible move towards NATO, while the Ukrainian people have decided their future is in Europe and the EU has opened accession talks.  We are supporting private sector-led growth and reform unlocking obstacles to trade and investment.  Doing more will not be without cost to us – but the costs of inaction are far higher.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 October 2024.

UK Statement for the Universal Periodic Review Adoption of Eritrea as delivered at the 57th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Mr President,

We thank Eritrea for engaging with the UPR process and we note the recommendations that the government has accepted.

We are pleased to see that these include a number of recommendations relating to healthcare and education.

We would like to very much encourage the government of Eritrea to engage with the international community to support implementation, noting the challenges faced by the government in previous cycles.

We do however worry that the spread of accepted recommendations suggests a lack of commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.

We are disappointed that our recommendations to implement the 1997 constitution and also to allow access for the Special Rapporteur were not accepted.

We reiterate our belief that these recommendations would support the promotion and protection of all human rights for all Eritrean citizens. Furthermore, cooperation with HRC mandate holders are especially pertinent given that Eritrea remains a member of the Human Rights Council.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2024.

The delegation arrived in the country on 20 September, to build partnerships, gain deeper understanding of the cocoa market and cocoa farmers across the country.

The UK government has supported 17 cocoa buyers to visit Solomon Islands to increase cocoa exports to the UK.

Supporting the cocoa trade between Solomon Islands and the UK is a win-win, driving growth and increasing incomes for Solomon Islands farmers whilst giving UK consumers access to the best quality Solomon cocoa.

The delegation arrived in the country on 20 September, to build partnerships and gain a deeper understanding of the cocoa market and cocoa farmers across the country.

Highlights from the mission included visiting Pilapaso Cocoa plantation and micro chocolate factories, Amazing Grace on Guadalcanal where they witnessed first-hand the harvesting and fermentation processes conducted by the farm owners, and two days in Malaita province where they visited cocoa farms across the northern region.

The UK cocoa buyers also worked with Solomon processors, visiting Cathliro’s café, processing and chocolate making facilities and the Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands’ (KPSI) shop, coconut oil and cocoa processing and chocolate making facility in East Honiara.

Their mission concluded with a regional cocoa workshop held at the Heritage Park Hotel at which cocoa producers and exporters from across the Pacific attended and discussed market requirements and sourcing opportunities.

Under the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement that started in January 2021 goods from the Pacific can enter the UK market duty-free and quota-free.

Thanks to the deal, high-end UK chocolatiers are turning to Solomon Islands for their cocoa: boosting Solomon exports and incomes, whilst bringing quality products to the UK market.