Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

Colin Wells has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Mr Colin Wells has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini in succession to Mr Simon Boyden, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Wells will take up his appointment during August 2024.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Colin Neil Wells

Year	Role
2021 to present	Nouakchott, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2018 to 2020	Moscow, HM Consul-General
2014 to 2017	Mumbai, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2014	Ascension Island, Administrator and Head of the Ascension Island Government
2010 to 2011	Abidjan, Head of British Embassy Office
2008 to 2010	Khartoum, Political Officer
2004 to 2008	Baku, Deputy Head of Mission
2001 to 2004	Abuja, Second Secretary (Political)
1999 to 2001	FCO, Desk Officer for Tibet and China Human Rights
1996 to 1999	UK Mission to UN, Geneva, Second Secretary (Human Rights/Humanitarian)
1992 to 1995	Bridgetown, Vice Consul
1987 to 1992	FCO, Various Junior Roles
1987	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) to Mr Makoto Uchida for services to UK/Japan business relations.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan Motor Corporation, Mr Uchida has been a leader in efforts to decarbonise the automotive sector through the ambitious development and expansion of electric vehicles.  Mr Uchida’s decision in 2021 to locate Nissan’s global electric vehicle (EV) hub in Sunderland, in the North East of England, has played a critical role in helping the UK government to meet its net zero goals and in supporting the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. This has included plans to build a first £1 billion electric battery gigafactory in the UK, followed by a further £2 billion investment into two new electric vehicles lines in Sunderland, the UK’s largest car plant.

Nissan has also carried out cutting edge R&D in collaboration with UK universities and institutions in the fields of automotive electrification and autonomous driving, including at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.

Under Mr Uchida’s leadership, Nissan has also continued to make a significant contribution to education and skills development in the UK, supporting our people-to-people relations. The Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies at the University of Oxford continues to develop leading research across a range of disciplines; and the Nissan Skills Foundation runs initiatives to encourage children in the North East of England to develop STEM skills and to take up careers in manufacturing and engineering.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 June 2024.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) to Mr Jun Sawada for services to UK/Japan trade and investment and to UK/Japan relations.

Mr Sawada, Chairman and Member of the Board of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), served as the Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer from 2018 until 2022. In the latter role he oversaw significant NTT investment into the United Kingdom and made a major contribution to strengthening business ties between the UK and Japan, including through the establishment of the global headquarters of NTT Ltd in London in 2019. The selection of London was a demonstration of confidence in the UK’s business environment and talent, and helped to influence wider investment into the UK from other players in the technology sector.

Under Mr Sawada’s leadership, NTT has made a major contribution to improving the skills of UK workers in areas of technology such as software development and Quality Assurance and Testing through apprenticeship schemes. They also made an important contribution to the DRIVE project at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is using the latest technology to provide safer, better and kinder care.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

The UK, France and Germany (E3) have issued a joint statement following the UN Security Council meeting to discuss the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231.

Today, the Security Council discussed the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2231, which underpins the Iran nuclear deal and sets out Iran’s nuclear commitments. This resolution is due to terminate in October next year. The next 16 months will therefore be pivotal in finding a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear crisis.

Very concerningly, the IAEA Director General’s recent reports again show that Iran is moving in the wrong direction by continuing to escalate its nuclear activities far beyond the limits of the Iran nuclear deal – the so-called JCPoA. Iran’s nuclear advances, some of which are irreversible, have hollowed out the JCPoA and will continue to make a return to a negotiated solution more difficult. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have issued statements about its capacity to assemble a nuclear weapon and a potential change of its so-called “doctrine”, that are explicitly contrary to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran’s total stockpiles of enriched uranium now stand at more than 30 times the JCPoA limit. Iran is growing its stockpile of high enriched uranium to levels unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme. Such activity has no credible civilian justification.

Most recently, Iran has followed through on installing and operating thousands more advanced centrifuges across multiple sites, including the deep underground facility at Fordow. Under the JCPoA, Iran committed not to install or operate any of these centrifuges, and not to use this site for enrichment purposes. We reiterate our call on Iran to cease its ongoing escalation and return to compliance with its JCPoA commitments.

Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA over many years undermines global non-proliferation. It also prevents the Agency from carrying out vital work to assess the Iranian nuclear programme. Iran’s agreements with the IAEA and its legal obligations must be pursued in full, without further delay, as repeatedly requested by the Director General and the Board of Governors. It is especially concerning to see Iran flatly deny its legal obligation to under Modified Code 3.1 to declare new nuclear facilities to the IAEA.

Our governments have diligently pursued a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue over many years and would continue to support diplomatic efforts that ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, but Iran must seriously and urgently honour its commitments to diplomacy and legally binding obligations in the remaining 16 months before the expiry of this resolution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Iran.

Iran’s unabated nuclear escalation means that it is closer now than ever to being able to develop a nuclear weapon. This situation makes the region and the world far more dangerous and makes escalation by others more likely.

The UN Security Council, through this resolution and the JCPoA, has sought to give Iran the opportunity to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. However, as the IAEA has repeatedly reported, Iran continues to escalate its programme beyond credible civilian justification, and far beyond JCPoA limits.

The IAEA Director General’s reports that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is more than 30 times JCPoA limits. Iran, as we speak, is installing yet more advanced centrifuges that would further increase its capacity to produce fissile material for a weapon.

Let us be clear about what is now at stake. In October next year, this resolution is due to expire and with it the right to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. Given Iran’s dangerous advances which have brought it to the brink of being able to develop a weapon, this situation should be of grave concern for this Council.

President, the E3 remain committed to a diplomatic solution. We have maintained our compliance with the JCPoA; Iran must demonstrate the same commitment. We will continue to keep all diplomatic options on the table, including triggering UN snapback before October 2025 if necessary.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the DRC, Madame Alyson King, gave a speech at the 2024 King’s Birthday Party, held at the British Embassy Kinshasa.

Honourable President of the National Assembly, Your Excellency the Vice Prime Minister, Your Excellency Patrick Muyaya, our guest of honour, Your Excellencies Ministers, Honourable Deputies, and Senators, Your Excellencies, my sisters, lady Ambassadors and Ambassadors, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, and dear friends, All protocol observed, Boyeyi malamu na batu nionso (Welcome to everyone)!

Welcome to the British residence on the occasion of King Charles III’s official birthday. May I apologise to our American friends, that we have hijacked the 4th of July this year, for our elections in the UK. This means that I cannot say anything too political as regards to the UK. But I hope I can express my gratitude, M. le Ministre, that the new government of DRC has taken office in time for our event.

Let me also say a few other words of thanks. Thank you to our generous sponsors: Socimex, Rawbank, Vodacom, G4S, Helios Towers, Diageo, Médecins de Nuit and UTEX, without whom this evening would not have been possible. Do not forget to buy raffle tickets – kindly sponsored by Socimex – all proceeds will go to the Banazola Foundation, which supports children across DRC.

And thank you to my team who have worked hard, not just for today, but every day to help make a difference.

Last year was the first KBP in Kinshasa in an independent DRC. That means that a year has passed. A wise woman, Marie Chantal Kaninda, told me that when I come to understand this country, I will love it. Excellencies, distinguished guests, may I let you into a secret? I fear that I will never be able to fully understand this vast, beautiful, complex, fascinating, diverse country. But, ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you that nevertheless, already ….  I love it.

3 things I would like to share by way of reflection:

1. DRC matters to the UK and to the world

The President has set out the importance of DRC as a solution country, whose future is vital to humanity’s future. The Congo Basin is the largest carbon sink in the world. DRC’s cobalt and copper are necessary for the energy transition. DRC is the beating heart of Africa. And the 100 million plus Congolese matter.

2. The UK is present in DRC

• Wherever I go, I find people with UK connections doing good things.
• Last week I was in the southeast, meeting entrepreneurs and businesspeople in Kolwezi and Lubumbashi, who are exporting frozen pondu to the US, and keeping cobalt copper mines safe for workers.
• In eastern DRC, British humanitarian workers are helping survivors of rape and the war-wounded.
• Two weeks ago, I saw how Professors Simon Lewis and Raphael Tshimanga are working in partnership to record and protect the peatlands of the Congo Basin.
• In Kinshasa, we have the British Congolese community group, and the British Congolese Business Group who have recently created chapters in Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.
• Look at the panels around the garden highlighting prominent British people of Congolese heritage. Wissa doesn’t only score goals for the Leopards but also Brentford in the English Premier League!
• And you may not know that quinine from Bukavu is exported to the UK to make award-winning Fever Tree tonic. What further proof of UK-Congolese partnership than London gin and Congolese tonic do you need? Together, we make a great cocktail!

3. We can go further… together

We still do not know each other as well as we might. It remains my firm conviction that the more we know and understand each other, the more opportunities we will find to do good things together. Whether that is developing carbon markets, or bringing solar power to homes; ensuring secure airports, developing food production, or supporting high quality universal health care. That will require effort from both sides.

We can highlight the opportunities in DRC; British investors will want to see a stable regulatory environment before they enter the market. We can highlight female leadership by sponsoring young ambassadors for a day; it is for the DRC to draw on all of its available talent, not just 50% of it – and may I again congratulate SEMme Judith Suminwa, DRC’s first woman Prime Minister. We’re planning on doubling our aid this year – but we know that real change comes from policy change and private sector investment.

The average Congolese child currently reaches only 37% of their potential according to the Human Capital Index; imagine if every child had access to safety, nutrition, health care, education? Congo has 80 million hectares of arable land; imagine if it was a food exporter rather than a country dependant on imports, leaving 25 million food insecure people. Congo shares its name with the mighty river flowing past here; imagine if its clean energy were harnessed to power households and business across the continent? And of course, imagine what could come from lasting peace in the beautiful east, instead of the terrible violence we see today.

The possibilities are there, and they are exciting; I hope the UK can play its part in supporting Congolese leadership to deliver transformative change.

Feti malamu (Enjoy the party)!

Without further ado, may I invite His Excellency Patrick Muyaya to take the floor.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 June 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

First, I congratulate Somalia on its election to the UN Security Council for the term 2025 to 2026. Somalia’s return to the Council after more than 50 years is a significant milestone. The UK looks forward to working closely with Somalia on the Council.

Second, the UK notes progress on Somalia’s constitutional review with the completion of the first four chapters. We encourage increased consultation and collaboration with all stakeholders in Somalia to ensure an inclusive process on political and constitutional reform moving forward.

Third, we are at a critical moment in Somalia’s security transition, as we reach the final stages of the ATMIS’ drawdown. We welcome the African Union Communique on the joint strategic assessment for the post ATMIS security arrangements for an AU-led mission in Somalia. We also welcome the significant progress so far and urge the federal government of Somalia to continue its efforts on security sector reform. It is vital that security gains are not lost. Continued support from, and coordination with, international partners is critical, including the UN, AU, and troop contributing countries. We urge Somalia and the African Union to continue to work with the UN to progress the design of a follow-on mission.

Fourth, the UK welcomes consultations between the UN and Somalia on next steps, including agreement on the timeline and modalities for UNSOM’s transition. President, we do not take the progress made in Somalia for granted. The UK remains committed to working with the Somali authorities, UN and Council members to ensure progress is sustained.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan.

First, while it is welcome that the Taliban have signalled their intention to attend this meeting in Doha, they must also show their intention to change how they are acting and to listen to the concerns of the Afghan people.

The international community should remain united and clear on the urgent need for the Taliban to meet their obligations and reverse all polices restricting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan, not least for women and girls. This includes the Taliban’s decree banning girls from secondary school, now over 1,000 days since its pronouncement. This is 1,000 days too long with half the population left behind. It is a wholly unjustifiable and self-defeating policy. Addressing these restrictions must remain front and centre for the international community in all of our engagement, as Ms. Wafeq said.

Second, with the 2024 Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan only 20% funded, we urge the international community to increase their support. The United Kingdom is on track to deliver over $190 million dollars in aid this year, helping to meet basic needs, including through the provision of lifesaving food, clean water, and sanitation. And in light of continued restrictions by the Taliban, we continue to support delivery of education through bilateral and multilateral contributions to NGOs and UN partners.

Finally, nearly six months since the adoption of Security Council resolution 2721, we call on the UN to continue to drive forward progress on the recommendations set out in the Special Coordinator’s independent assessment. A Special Envoy is urgently needed to bring together the international community and to minimise the risk of Afghanistan’s challenges spilling over into the region and beyond.

The United Kingdom stands ready to work constructively with all parties and stakeholders – in Afghanistan and beyond – in this shared endeavour towards an Afghanistan at peace with itself, its neighbours, and the international community.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

UK Statement for Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Let me begin by extending our gratitude to the Independent Expert’s predecessor Mr Victor Madrigal-Borloz for their visit to the United Kingdom last year. These country visits are crucial to the effective operation of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, and our collective endeavour to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including for individuals from the LGBT community.

During the Independent Expert’s visit to the United Kingdom, we were particularly pleased that he was able to engage with a broad range of stakeholders across the United Kingdom. Meetings were held in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh where the Independent Expert met with senior officials from across the devolved administrations and the Northern Ireland Civil Service. In England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, the Independent Expert also met with a number of civil society organisations and representatives. We believe that it is important for all mandate holders to be able to meet with a diverse range of stakeholders to listen to different perspectives.

We welcome the recognition in the Independent Expert’s report that the United Kingdom maintains one of the most comprehensive legislative frameworks to safeguard the human rights of LGBT individuals and protect them from violence and hate.  This framework is reinforced by robust institutional and policy structures, strong evidence and data collected on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and – as highlighted in the report – the commendable efforts of public authorities.

The UK’s approach is monitored by robust and independent National Human Rights Institutions in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, all with A status accreditation. These institutions adhere fully with the Paris Principles and are adequately resourced to fill their essential mandate to protect human rights.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to this mandate and emphasise its vital importance in ending human rights violations experienced by LGBT people around the world.

We look forward to sharing our views on the current mandate holder’s important, new thematic report in a separate intervention later in this debate.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 June 2024.

The British Embassy hosted special guests during the celebration party of His Majesty the King Charles III birthday in Guatemala City on 20 June.

The event was held at iconic Club Guatemala in the historic city downtown.  Government officials, civil society, businesspeople, journalists, and many other Embassy’s contacts gathered to mark this year celebration for the King.

The British Ambassador to Guatemala, Nick Whittingham, welcomed each of the guests at his last major event in country, while he prepares to leave post for another diplomatic appointment by the end of September this year.

Ambassador Whittingham stressed that the ties between Guatemala and the UK have grown stronger and specially since last year’s events that triggered people from many sectors and the international community coming together to defend democracy and the rule of law.

The Ambassador praised Guatemalan people’s resilience and reiterated the UK’s willingness to continue working with the Guatemalan Government on many shared priorities including economic prosperity, human rights advocacy, and tackling climate change and corruption.

On the environment, which is a topic close to the King’s heart, the Ambassador highlighted many projects the British Government is taking forward in Guatemala, including in Peten and the Mayan Jungle, to protect biodiversity, reduce poverty and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Finally, Ambassador Whittingham thanked all participants for their contributions to build a better Guatemala and a better world and stressed that despite ongoing global challenges, the unity of people who share fundamental principles and a strong vision will shape a better future for all.

The event closed with a taste of British music and food.