Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

January 2024 statement of the Iraq Economic Contact Group of the G7, European Union and World Bank, welcoming the government’s continued commitment to economic reform.

The Iraq Economic Contact Group (IECG) welcomes the government’s continued commitment to economic reform and stimulating private sector growth. The last semester witnessed important steps forward, such as the concrete initiative to reform public banking sector with the launch of an advisory firm-led review, Iraq’s finalised accession to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the holding of the PPP and Iraq Tax Reform Conference, active participation in COP 28 and the launch of the first Iraqi sovereign wealth fund, the Iraq Fund for Development (IFD).

However, while the path to reform is long, the IECG will support Iraq through these endeavours, which would be transformational for the Iraqi economy. On January 1st, Italy and the United States passed on the IECG co-chair to France and the United Kingdom, which will shape the IECG’s work in the first half of 2024. Under the incoming co-chairs, the IECG will continue to stand with Iraq on its path towards sustainable and inclusive economic development. More specifically, the Group will pursue its support to the government’s ambitious reform programmes, especially the banking sector, public finance management and private sector development.

The IECG’s areas of focus during this period will be as follows:

Financial Sector Reform

Supporting diversification and modernisation of Iraq’s banking sector, especially in view of Iraq’s ongoing evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in close collaboration with the government and Central Bank of Iraq. This will require increasing compliance with international standards, strengthening links with international banks, countering money laundering, and promoting the role of private banks and insurance providers. We welcome the government’s and Central Bank’s work on state-owned bank reform, banking sector modernisation and improving governance around commercial banking; and e-payments (which will facilitate formalisation of the economy).

Public Financial Management

The three-year Budget Law sets out Iraq’s medium-term economic vision and strategy. However, against the backdrop of uncertain oil prices prospects, fiscal policy has to be sustainable, while preserving investment for future growth and targeted social spending to help the most vulnerable. This would require mobilising additional non-oil revenue, containing the government’s wage bill and reforming the pension system. In this context, the IECG welcome the government’s continued plans to strengthen public financial management including steps towards the establishment of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) and an Integrated Finance Management Information System (IFMIS). We support the government steer on modernising customs in Iraq by facilitating the roll-out of UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which will be a game-changer in customs processing in Iraq while improving tax collection and the ease of doing business.

Private Sector Development

A dynamic and inclusive private sector is key to create the millions of jobs that will be needed in the coming decades and contribute to Iraq’s growth and stability. The IECG will continue supporting the Iraqi government in its efforts to foster Iraq’s business environment, diversify the economy and reduce oil dependency. This includes, inter alia, improving business regulation, digitalisation, access to finance for businesses and strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms. These efforts will help build resilience, particularly when it comes to creating equal and meaningful economic opportunities for Iraqi women and youth. The IECG welcomes the launch of the Iraq Fund for Development, which has the potential to make significant contributions to rebuilding Iraq’s human capital, developing the private sector and strengthening Iraq’s climate resilience.

Finally, the IECG welcomes the recent meetings of His Excellency Prime Minister Sudani with international financial institutions in Davos earlier this year, including with the Managing Director of the IMF and the President of the World Bank. The IECG supports ongoing engagement with international financial institutions which can provide valuable technical expertise, including the World Bank, IMF and EBRD. The IECG will also support the work to create conditions for a final understanding on the Framework Agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). These financial institutions will also support Iraq to implement its priorities, for example during the upcoming IMF annual consultation with the Government of Iraq. Comprised of donors and partners, the IECG sees itself well-positioned to facilitate Iraq’s engagement with these institutions and to advocate for multilateral support to Iraq’s fiscal and economic reform agenda.

As friends and partners of Iraq, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the World Bank, look forward to pursue their collaboration with the Government of Iraq to support common goals, through regular dialogue at both the political and technical level.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

Thank you President, we want to see the fighting in Gaza end as soon as possible in a way that never again allows Hamas to carry out the appalling terrorist attacks against Israel we saw on the 7th of October last year.

Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis. We are particularly worried about the situation in Rafah, where a military operation could have appalling consequences for civilians sheltering there with nowhere else to go. Ongoing negotiations are critical to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza.

We are calling for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a permanent, sustainable ceasefire.

That means the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’s capacity to launch attacks against Israel; Hamas no longer in charge of Gaza; and, a political horizon which provides a credible and irreversible pathway towards a two-state solution.

President, we welcome the efforts of our Algerian colleagues on this resolution, and we regret that some of our proposals were not taken on board.

Simply calling for a ceasefire as this resolution does, will not make it happen. Indeed, as it could endanger the hostage negotiations, it could actually make a ceasefire less likely. The way to stop the fighting, and potentially stop it from restarting, is to begin with a pause to get hostages out and aid in, that is what we are calling for. It could end the fighting now.

We will continue to work to stop fighting. A humanitarian response at scale. The release of all hostages. And the delivery of the two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine that ensures peace, security and justice for both nations.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

David Rutley will be strengthening UK-US economic links and deepening security ties with the UK’s closest ally on a visit to New England and Washington DC.

Strengthening economic links that support millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic and deepening security ties with the UK’s closest ally will be the focus for Americas Minister David Rutley as he begins a visit to New England and Washington DC today (Tuesday 20 February).

Minister for the Americas, Caribbean and Overseas Territories David Rutley said:

The UK has no better friend than America. It is a partnership that delivers security and prosperity for communities on both sides of the Atlantic and around the world.

The strength of that bond has been clear on my visits to states across the US and I am now looking forward to boosting those deep and long-standing links in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, by driving forward trade, technology and cultural partnerships that help tie us together as the closest of allies.

His trip to New Hampshire and Massachusetts will continue a programme of visits that Minister Rutley is making to states across the US as he champions the UK as a great investment and business partner and highlights the unrivalled security and defence ties between the two allies.

With the US and UK already having more than £1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, it is a relationship that presents huge opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic – supporting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s priority to grow the UK’s economy and create better paying jobs.

The UK supports more jobs in America than any other country, with more than 1.2 million people working for British companies, while almost 1.5 million people do the same for American companies in the UK.

In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, world-renowned British businesses such as BAE Systems and GlaxoSmithKline support jobs for almost 44,000 Bay Staters and around 13,000 New Hampshirites.

While in New England, Minister Rutley will discuss with political, business and industry leaders how the UK and US can strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including a meeting with representatives from Fenway Sporting Group at the iconic Fenway Park in Boston.

At a conference at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Science, he will also discuss how a UK-US partnership signed last year is accelerating global fusion energy development.

The UK is widely recognised as a world leader in the most promising fusion technologies and the UK-US partnership follows the launch of the UK’s updated Fusion Strategy.

Minister Rutley will also deliver a speech at the Harvard Business School, his alma mater, while in Boston.

He will reaffirm the strength of the UK’s relationship with its closest strategic ally and their alignment across foreign policy goals, including support for Ukraine, in working towards a sustainable peace in the Middle East and in responding to challenges posed by China.

Following his trip to New England, Minister Rutley will then travel to Washington DC where he will attend the National Governors Association winter meeting to meet with key state-level political leaders as he further deepens economic and security links across the US.

Notes to editors:

• Minister Rutley graduated from Harvard Business School in 1985 having completed a two-year MBA.
• The UK and Massachusetts share a goods trading relationship that was worth £3.4 billion in 2022. Almost 44,000 Bay Staters go to work each day in jobs supported by UK companies.
• The UK and New Hampshire share a goods trading relationship that was worth £343 million in 2022. Around 13,000 New Hampshirites go to work each day in jobs supported by UK companies.
• The UK-US partnership to accelerate global fusion energy development was signed in November 2023 to promote further global collaboration vital and innovation in this flourishing technology and builds on the UK’s Fusion Strategy to lead the global commercialisation of fusion energy, announced in October 2023.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

UK government announces £17 million to help clear explosives across Africa and Asia and raise awareness of the associated risks.

• eight countries across Africa and Asia to be supported through £17 million in new funding to Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO)
• their work will support the clearance of explosives, as well as raising awareness of the danger of mines
• combined with programmes announced last year in Ukraine and Afghanistan, more than 50,000 people are expected to benefit from the programme

The UK government has today announced new funding for leading British organisations, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and The HALO Trust (HALO) to help clear mines and educate communities about the associated risks in 8 countries: Angola, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

It follows funding announced last year for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan, supporting more than 50,000 people from programmes across the 10 countries.

MAG and The HALO Trust anticipate that almost 17 million square metres of land will be freed of mines in the 10 countries thanks to the UK funding. The release of land for agriculture, housing, and basic social services such as schools, hospitals, water, and sanitation will support and promote economic development within communities around the world, restore livelihoods in rural and marginalised areas, as well as strengthen local production and food security.

MAG and HALO will also reach over half a million people with more than 34,000 in-person explosive ordnance risk education sessions, which will significantly improve risk awareness and community safety across the countries.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

Landmines are a nightmare – causing thousands of deaths and injuries each year.

The UK remains committed in its determination to work towards a mine-free world and is delighted to award extra funding to MAG and The HALO Trust to continue their life-saving work.

We want to help both organisations create safe and secure environments where communities live freely without fear of the deadly threat of landmines.

Today’s announcement brings the total amount committed through multi-year contracts under the third iteration of the government’s Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) to £28 million. GMAP has been running since 2014 and has supported the clearance of hundreds of millions of square metres of land to date.

The funding announced today will allow work to continue in some of the world’s most heavily mined countries, such as Cambodia and Laos, as well as some of the poorest countries in the world such as South Sudan and Somalia until March 2025. It will also support a new country programme in Ethiopia, where HALO is currently the only active international mine operator.

Funding will also create new opportunities for women in countries like Angola, Cambodia and Laos through increased employment and career development in demining, with ongoing investment in staff training.

Darren Cormack, CEO of MAG, said:

We are immensely grateful for the funding and long-standing support from the UK government and are delighted to partner with The HALO Trust to continue our work in some of the world’s most mine-affected countries.

Whilst much remains to be done in many active conflict environments in which we are working, this funding will provide vital assistance to many countries that are tackling the legacy of conflict, which continues to claim lives long after the fighting is over. This is an important step towards a mine-free world.

James Cowan, CEO of The HALO Trust, said:

This funding announcement coincides with The HALO Trust celebrating the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia, 1,000 minefields in Angola and a staggering 2 million landmines worldwide. None of these milestones would have been possible without the support of our donors. The sustained commitment of the UK government and generosity of the British taxpayer have played a vital role.

We will continue our lifesaving work alongside MAG and other partners in the sector until the last mine is gone and last munition defused.

Background

For over 30 years, MAG and The HALO Trust have been delivering a broad range of humanitarian mine action initiatives.

Funding announced today, which totals close to £17 million, will support MAG and HALO to continue their vital ongoing work in 8 countries:

• Angola: £2 million will be provided to MAG and HALO to deliver clearance and risk education in the east and south of the country. To date, HALO and MAG have released more than 230 million square metres of land back to communities in Angola and in January, HALO celebrated the clearance of 1,000 minefields in Angola.
• Cambodia: GMAP funding has supported work in Cambodia since 2014, with today’s announcement committing a further £3 million for work in the rest of the country. To date, MAG and HALO have rendered safe more than 600 million square metres in Cambodia, with HALO supporting the clearance of 5,000 minefields in Cambodia.
• Ethiopia and Somalia: Ethiopia is the latest addition to the GMAP project, with £1.2 million committed to support the HALO Trust’s operations near the Somali border. A further £1.8 million will allow work to continue in Somalia, which has been supported through GMAP since 2016
• Laos: this year will mark 30 years of MAG’s operations in Laos – the world’s most heavily bombed country per capita – where more than 145 million square metres of land have been cleared. The UK has funded projects in Laos since 2014, with a further £1.9 million being committed over the next year
• Myanmar: despite a challenging context, MAG and The HALO Trust are successfully delivering risk education and other community liaison activities within the country. £0.75m from GMAP will support this work to continue
• South Sudan: £2.1 million will help MAG and The HALO Trust clear land for resettlement and agriculture, a prerequisite for refugees and communities to return home and rebuild their lives
• Zimbabwe: £4.2 million in funding will continue to support country’s efforts in achieving landmine-free status by 2025, a major milestone and a crucial step towards sustainable development in the once affected areas

Today’s funding follows £11.6 million that was awarded to MAG and HALO for projects in Ukraine and Afghanistan last year.

MAG and HALO, the world’s leading humanitarian mine action organisations, have decades of experience across all 10 countries and will draw on the additional expertise of a local humanitarian partner to deliver risk-education work in Myanmar.

As one of the founding signatories to the Mine Ban Treaty in 1997, the UK has had a major role in tackling the legacy of landmines and explosive remnants of war. In the 26 years since the treaty was signed, aid from the UK government has made a substantial contribution to the peace and wellbeing of millions of people around the world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2024.

Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell visited Nepal to deepen the UK’s historic partnership and announce a new development portfolio.

• new UK development portfolio will help Nepal to tackle the climate crisis, mobilise international finance for development, deliver economic transformation, and support governance and inclusion
• UK development support will see £400 million ($505 million) in grants delivered by 2030
• impacts will include helping create 13,500 jobs, attracting more than $1 billion in investment and supporting access to quality health and education services for 2 million women and girls

A new £400 million development portfolio will mobilise vital private sector funding in development, tackle the climate crisis and support economic growth in Nepal.

The plan will support the creation of 13,500 jobs, help Nepal attract over $1 billion in investment, and deliver access to quality health care and education services for 2 million women and girls by 2030.

Minister for International Development Andrew Mitchell launched the portfolio during a 2-day visit to Nepal. Its focus on long-term, systemic transformation emphasises the UK’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive development globally, as set out in the recently published White Paper.

Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, said:

The UK and Nepal share close bonds, cemented by our deep history as Nepal’s oldest partner. We also share an ambition to secure a more resilient and prosperous future for Nepal.

During my visit I saw how the UK is helping marginalised communities, building climate resilience and a sustainable economic transformation for Nepal.

Our new development portfolio will help Nepal on that journey and to mobilise the funding needed to support growth and development. This is part of a partnership fit to respond to the challenges and opportunities during the next hundred years of UK-Nepal friendship.

In a speech at the Nepalese Ministry of Finance, the minister set out how the UK will work with Nepal to help mobilise development funding, tackle the climate crisis and build business, to support Nepal’s expected transition from Least Developed Country status.

Improved access to sustainable local infrastructure, a key element of that transition, is expected to benefit 1.7 million people across the country as a result of the UK’s new Development Portfolio.

During his visit, Minister Mitchell held talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud and Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. Together they affirmed UK support for Nepal’s Investment Summit in April 2024, and discussed the reforms necessary to mobilise finance and attract investors.

As part of the new portfolio, Minister Mitchell welcomed the recent agreement by Nepal’s Cabinet on new programmes that will support green and inclusive growth, attract foreign direct investment, and promote more inclusive business.

While in Nepal, Minister Mitchell visited the Upper-Trishuli-1 Hydropower project to see the impact of nearly $22 million of British International Investment (BII) funding. This investment will provide clean and reliable energy to millions of people, while boosting economic growth by creating jobs. Supporting multilateral development banks and development finance institutions to adopt new business models and mobilise more investment remains a key priority for the government.

He also saw how UK investment is supporting job creation and entrepreneurship at Upaya, Nepal’s first tech-enabled transportation logistics provider, and with the Youth Innovation Lab who are harnessing digital technology to build Nepal’s disaster resilience.

Minister Mitchell saw first-hand the threats of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, and how the UK is helping Nepal manage climate risks. This includes through the £274 million Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, supporting the Integrated Centre for International Mountain Development (ICIMOD) to promote a more climate resilient and inclusive Hindu Kush Himalaya.

At the One-Stop Crisis Management Centre at Lumbini Province Hospital, the minister saw how UK funding is improving support to survivors of gender-based violence. He also discussed how the UK is supporting female entrepreneurs, thought leaders and activists to address social exclusion of women and marginalised groups.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2024.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.

Thank you President, I thank SRSG Liang and Special Representative Souef for their briefing and I pay tribute to the work of their teams in Somalia. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Somalia at our meeting.

President let me first address the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding. As we have said previously, the United Kingdom reaffirms its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The UK is a close friend and longstanding partner to both Somalia and Ethiopia, and we are continuing to engage with both governments directly.

The UK calls for calm dialogue to de-escalate the situation and expresses its support for mediation efforts, including the work of IGAD and the AU.

Turning to the situation in Somalia more broadly, the UK notes that the Somali Parliament has begun to debate constitutional amendments outlined in previous National Consultative Council agreements, and urges the Federal Government to pursue a consultative and consensus-building approach to ensure this process has broad-based support among Somalis.

President, this year represents a milestone in Somalia’s security transition. After 15 years of truly courageous service the current AU and UN missions are due to leave at the end of the year.

We look forward to receiving an update from Somalia next month on its requirements into 2025 and beyond, and we encourage the UN and AU to work together closely on next steps ahead of the mandate renewal in June.

We recognise the funding problems AMISOM and ATMIS have faced. As we have said many times, the UK has tried to play its part in solving them.

But we are approaching a critical juncture. Somalia, the AU, UN and partners have invested so much to get to where we are today.

We do not want this progress to go to waste. So, we encourage all Somalia’s partners to continue to support Somalia throughout its security transition and to think about creative ways to maintain support post-ATMIS and UNSOS. If we do not, it will be Al-Shabaab who benefit.

Finally, President, Somalia’s changing security landscape presents significant humanitarian risks alongside an already severe and protracted humanitarian crisis.

It is therefore deeply concerning that the Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded.

The UK urges donors to contribute to the plan, to address the urgent unmet need in Somalia.

Any alteration or decision on Somalia’s security must not compromise protection of civilian and humanitarian access.

I thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2024.

Lord David Cameron to make historic visit to Paraguay on the first official visit by a UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

The former Prime Minister and current Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, The Lord David Cameron of Chipping Norton, will make history with his first official visit to Paraguay, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Paraguay. This visit represents the deepening friendship and partnership between the two countries.

The Foreign Secretary will arrive in the country on 20 February. During his visit, he will meet with President Santiago Peña and Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, exploring ways to further cooperation in the areas of trade, environment, education, and human rights.

In recent years, Paraguay and the UK have experienced a significant convergence of interests, which has led to a deepening of their ties. The visit of the Foreign Secretary represents the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership, opening new avenues of collaboration that contribute to mutual prosperity and global progress.

The British government has stated its intention to increase its engagement with Latin America, strengthen trade and investment relations and help the region amplify its voice in multilateral for a. This visit solidifies the UK’s continued dedication to fostering close partnerships across Latin America.

As Paraguay increasingly asserts itself on the international stage, this visit is an opportune moment to collaborate on issues of regional and global concern. Paraguay has demonstrated its economic resilience in recent years, in a difficult global economic context, which presents enormous potential for increased collaboration with the UK.

This is a historic occasion as it is the first official visit to Paraguay by a British Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary’s visit aims to strengthen existing ties between the two nations and represents the UK’s commitment to the nations of the region, building bridges and fostering diplomatic relations based on mutual respect and shared values.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 February 2024.

Government provides certainty and stability for Ukrainians, with visa holders now eligible to stay for an additional 18 months.

Ukrainians who sought sanctuary in the UK in the aftermath of Russia’s illegal invasion have been provided with certainty, as the government announces a new visa extension scheme.

From early 2025, all those in the UK under one of the Ukraine visa schemes will be able to apply to stay here for an additional 18 months and continue to have the same rights to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education throughout their stay. This will mean that those who came on the first visas under one of the Ukraine visa schemes could now stay in the UK until September 2026.

When the conflict began, the government very quickly established 3 generous Ukraine schemes – the first of their kind to be made operational anywhere in the world. Under Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme and the Ukraine Extension Scheme, visa holders were granted 3 years leave in the UK, which would have meant the first visas were set to expire in March 2025.

The 18-month extension delivers on the government’s long-term commitment to Ukraine and comes as the world approaches 2 years since Russia’s reprehensible full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since the launch of our Ukraine schemes, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to more than 283,000 Ukrainians, in part thanks to the immense generosity of the British public.

That generosity is in addition to the major package of military, humanitarian and economic support given to Ukraine by the UK, which now totals £11.8 billion.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:

The UK Government, together with our partners and allies, stands in solidarity with Ukraine and unequivocally condemns Putin’s unprovoked, premeditated and illegal war against Ukraine.

Almost 2 years on from the start of this brutal war, over 200,000 Ukrainians and their family members have arrived in Britain. Families across the country have opened their homes and their hearts to the people of Ukraine, showing extraordinary generosity, including offering shelter to those fleeing from the horrors of war.

This new visa extension scheme provides certainty and reassurance for Ukrainians in the UK on their future as this war continues, and we will continue to provide a safe haven for those fleeing the conflict.

Minister for Housing and Communities, Felicity Buchan, said:

This is brilliant news for Ukrainians who have found refuge in the UK and are contributing so positively in our communities.

I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary generosity shown by sponsors across the country. The government continues to provide them with ‘thank-you’ payments in recognition of their support.

As more families arrive, we will need more sponsors to come forward. I encourage anyone interested in hosting to check their eligibility and apply as soon as they can.

Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK, Eduard Fesko, said:

We welcome the announcement by the UK Government of the decision on the future functioning of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It is a clear signal of the continuous support by the HM Government of Ukrainians, fleeing the war, through the provision of a temporary protection status in the UK until they can return home.

We appreciate all the help and assistance that our UK friends so generously provide for the temporarily displaced Ukrainians.

The 18-month visa extension will help Ukrainians plan ahead, if they choose to remain in the UK, when committing to work, study or to rent a property, for example.

It is also underlines the government’s strong belief that Ukraine will be safe again, and the hope of the Government of Ukraine that their citizens will eventually return to the country, when it is safe to do so.

Applications will be open online from early 2025, with those who have come to the UK holding, or having held, permission to remain under the Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme eligible.

Those who were granted leave outside the rules because they required sanctuary in the UK from Ukraine will also be eligible. Individuals will be able to make their applications within the last 3 months of an existing visa.

The press release issued by 18 February 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to European Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen, this afternoon.

Ahead of the second anniversary of Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they underscored the importance of providing continuing support to the Ukrainian people. The Prime Minister welcomed the recent announcement that the EU will provide €50 billion support to Ukraine, and outlined the work the UK is doing through our security cooperation agreement.

The Prime Minister and President Von der Leyen expressed their outrage at the death of Alexei Navalny, and underscored the utmost importance of holding those responsible within the Russian system to account.

The Prime Minister updated President Von der Leyen on his recent conversations with the Israeli Prime Minister and the King of Jordan about the situation in Israel and Gaza. The Prime Minister and President Von der Leyen agreed on the paramount importance of significantly more aid reaching people who desperately need it in Gaza, and expressed their deep concern about the loss of civilian life occurring there.

The leaders also agreed on the importance of freedom of navigation and condemned the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. They welcomed efforts such as Prosperity Guardian and Operation Aspides to restore stability and keep people safe.

The leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex, which should be formalised in the coming days, as part of wider cooperation between the UK and EU on tackling illegal migration.

The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.

The press release issued by Foreign Office on 18 February 2024.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron is in the Falklands Islands during the first part of his first visit to the South Atlantic, South America and New York.

• the Foreign Secretary will meet Falkland Islanders and see their work to build a thriving community and protect their natural environment
• he will reiterate the UK’s commitment to uphold the Islanders’ right of self-determination
• he will then travel onwards to Paraguay, Brazil for the G20 and New York for the UN

Foreign Secretary David Cameron will visit the Falkland Islands during the first leg of his first visit to the South Atlantic, South America and New York.

David Cameron will meet leaders of the Falkland Islands Government and see the range of communities that form part of the British family when he visits Stanley and other sites around this Overseas Territory.

In the 2013 referendum, Falkland Islanders overwhelmingly voted to retain their status as a self-governing UK Overseas Territory.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

The Falkland Islands are a valued part of the British family, and we are clear that as long as they want to remain part of the family, the issue of sovereignty will not be up for discussion.

The Falkland Islanders should be proud of the modern, prosperous community they have built. The Islands are a thriving economy, where as well as farming and fishing, there is a priority given to conservation and sustainability.

The Foreign Secretary will pay his respects to all those British personnel who served and those who lost their lives during the conflict in 1982 and thank the UK military personnel serving on the Islands today.

He will see the Islanders’ work to protect their natural environment and see some of the million penguins that live across the Islands.

He will then travel on to Paraguay, where he will be the first UK Foreign Secretary to ever visit the country. After that, he is due to go on to the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Brazil where he will discuss G20 agendas on tackling hunger and climate change and work with partners to advance efforts towards peace in the Middle East and support for Ukraine.

And lastly, he will head to New York for the UN ahead of the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Background

• details of the environmental protection projects: Darwin Plus funding is used to enhance training for wildfire prevention and response. FCDO funding is used to restore the native tussac grass habitats
• the Falkland Islands is thought to be home to around 20% of the world’s tussac grass and it is the most important wildlife habitat on the Islands – home to seals, birds, and invertebrates