Tag: Foreign Office

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

The UK and Ukraine have launched the InnovateUkraine programme, which will support 13 green energy innovation projects in Ukraine with a £16m investment from the UK government.

The UK government has invested £16m in innovations which will support the recovery and future sustainability of Ukraine’s energy system. The programme aims to rebuild Ukraine’s energy system, displace fossil fuels, and support post-war recovery.

The programme is delivered by a UK-based innovation agency and will leverage an additional £5m in private sector co-investment and involves collaborations between over 50 UK and Ukrainian organizations.

Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko said:

Today we have a chance to demonstrate that the struggle for energy independence is  a fight for the future. The green transition goes way beyond ecology or distributed generation. For Ukraine, this is a matter of national security. I am sure that the implementation of the project in the field of green technologies is of great importance for the future cooperation between Ukraine and the UK in the energy sector.

The British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris said:

I am proud that the UK continues to support the recovery of the Ukrainian energy sector, particularly after recent brutal attacks from Russia. We want to see it greener and more resilient.

Our support for these 13 innovations – which bring together the best of British and Ukrainian business, universities, and civil society – will help Ukraine recover in a more sustainable way. These projects showcase the depth and breadth of partnership between our countries.

Some notable projects include developing a new space heating technology for heat pumps, an innovative battery storage solution for renewables, a more targeted approach to harnessing geothermal energy in Ukraine, and work to optimise Ukraine’s bioenergy resources.

The funded projects will execute their work plans over the next two years and receive support from an accelerator programme for further investment and market entry.

Originally announced at the UK-hosted Ukraine Recovery Conference in June 2023, this partnership has been designed by the UK and Ukrainian Governments over the course of the last 12 months.

By combining the rich science, technology and innovation heritage of both the UK and Ukraine, this competition aims to address not only Ukraine’s immediate priorities, but also wider global challenges.

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

UK Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan met with senior representatives from the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities as part of her 6-day visit.

The UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, met with senior representatives from the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities as part of her 6-day visit to Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

In Beijing, she met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deng Li.

The Minister reiterated to Vice Minister Deng the UK’s approach to China, in line with the Integrated Review Refresh – outlining the protect, align and engage pillars of the UK’s China strategy.

They discussed the global issues on which the P5 Security Council need to cooperate. The Minister encouraged China to use its influence positively to avert further escalation in the Middle East; and urge Russia to end its illegal invasion in Ukraine, including through engaging constructively with international efforts to achieve a just peace, and ensuring Chinese companies do not circumvent sanctions by supplying Russia including through dual use goods and components.

The 2 ministers explored mutual opportunities for greater co-operation between the UK and China on issues such as AI safety, trade, development, and climate change.

During the meeting, Minister Trevelyan made UK concerns clear, on human rights, the implementation of National Security legislation and connected cases in Hong Kong, including Jimmy Lai’s ongoing trial. The Minister set out concerns against any interference in the UK’s democratic institutions, stressing the importance of the UK’s parliamentary democracy and that we will always put our national security first. She urged China to lift sanctions on MPs and other British nationals.

Minister Trevelyan then travelled to Hong Kong in the first visit by a UK FCDO minister to the Special Administrative Region since 2018, meeting with Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasised our historic ties to Hong Kong and its people and our support for rights and freedoms set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Minister raised concerns over the deterioration of rights and freedom in the city precipitated by the 2020 National Security Law, as well as the prosecution of Jimmy Lai and others and the recent passage of legislation under Article 23. She also addressed matters of concern for the BN(O) community in the UK including the imposition of bounties.

The ministers also discussed important areas for pragmatic cooperation, including issues of global concern like financial stability, tackling illicit finance and leadership on green finance.

Throughout the visit, the Minister reiterated the need for a constructive and open relationship to be able to discuss issues of mutual and global interest as well as areas of disagreement or concern.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 April 2024.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on conflict-related sexual violence.

Thank you, President, and I would like to thank SRSG Patten, Ms Ahmadi, and Ms Gurira for briefing us today. I would particularly like to thank SRSG Patten for her commitment to speaking out on behalf of victims and survivors, and for upholding and delivering on her mandate. Thank you.

President, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not an inevitable consequence of war. The UK remains committed to tackling CRSV. Indeed, we have prioritised this agenda through the leadership of our Prime Minister’s special representative, and we’ve contributed through key initiatives including the launch of the Murad Code. I’d like to outline three priorities:

First, on the focus of today’s debate: UNIDIR estimates that 70-90% of CRSV incidents involve weapons and firearms. In contexts where widely available small arms and weapons are contributing to high rates of CRSV, effective conventional arms control can play a vital role in prevention. Women should be at the centre of these efforts.

Our own WPS National Action Plan highlights the importance of arms control. We call for the implementation of national arms control measures, including effective export controls, to strengthen CRSV prevention. Gender-responsive security sector reform will help ensure those who bear arms do not use them to perpetrate CRSV.

The fact that CRSV is so widespread, as shown in the Secretary General’s Annual Report, is truly shocking. This Council has an essential role to play in shaping the international response to CRSV. We should use the tools the Security Council has to deter future CRSV, including through sanctions where appropriate.

Second, President, there are three contexts I would like to draw particular attention to:

First, In Sudan, as Ms Ahmadi’s moving briefing brought home to us so clearly, reports of CRSV paint a dire picture, and the UK is supporting partners to care for and protect survivors. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for the cessation of violence, an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and for humanitarian corridors so that survivors can access support.

The second context is Ukraine. There is mounting evidence of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian forces against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. Two Russian perpetrators have been convicted for CRSV. These acts appear to show a pattern where CRSV is being used as a weapon of war. The UK PSVI Team of Experts is helping to build investigatory capacity to support accountability in Ukraine.

The third context, in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, we condemn all allegations and reports of CRSV. We call for thorough investigations and a survivor-centred approach, and for hostages to be released immediately, and for detainees to be treated with dignity and in line with humanitarian international law.

Finally, President, in a world where, as we heard from Ms Gurira, 80 cents is all it takes to destroy a girl’s life, the UK continues to drive action to strengthen the global response to CRSV, having established last year the International Alliance on PSVI. Twenty-six members have joined including governments, multilaterals, survivors, and civil society organisations, including the ICC, and we continue to welcome new members. Through the Alliance, we are driving forward stronger international coordination to address CRSV and provide support to survivors.

We call for Council members to implement the recommendations of this report to play their part to end these abhorrent acts and to end impunity for them, once and for all.

Thank you.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 April 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this morning, to assure him of the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s brutal and expansionist ambitions.

He confirmed that the UK would provide an additional £500 million in immediate funding to support the highest priority capabilities, including further ammunition, air defence and drones – taking our support this year to £3 billion.

The Ministry of Defence would also make our largest-ever single commitment of military equipment to help Ukraine fight back across land, sea and air – including 60 boats, more than 400 vehicles and over 1,600 missiles.

President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for the UK’s continued support, saying the new military assistance would make a material difference to ordinary Ukrainians fighting on the frontline to defend their country.

Ahead of a visit to Poland and Germany, the Prime Minister reiterated that Ukraine’s security was central to all of Europe’s security. He said the UK would continue to work to galvanise the international community to support Ukraine’s defence.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

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

Thank you, President. I thank SRSG Salvador, Executive Director Waly, and Executive Director Russell for briefing us today. And I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Haiti as well as the Foreign Minister Álvarez Gil of the Dominican Republic.

I would like to express our gratitude to SRSG Salvador and her team for their steadfast commitment to the Haitian people during these difficult times. We pay tribute to the UN’s efforts, especially the establishment of a humanitarian airbridge to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian supplies and personnel.

President, we commend the courage of the Haitian national police.  Criminal armed gangs cannot be allowed to hold the country hostage and to continue this appalling violence against the Haitian people. There are continued reports of indiscriminate killing, burning of camps for internally displaced people, and sexual and gender-based violence. We hear chilling accounts of girls facing collective rape by gangs on their way to school. No child should have to choose between their personal safety and education.

We are calling on all those with influence over the gangs to rein them in now, for the good of the Haitian people. And we should use our UN sanctions regime to change the behaviour of those who are destabilising Haiti. The United Kingdom will continue to work with all Council members to this end.

A political solution remains critical to resolving this crisis. We commend the efforts of CARICOM to secure an agreement on a new power-sharing transitional government. This transitional government should be in place as soon as possible to begin its work towards inclusive, free, and fair legislative and presidential elections.

President, the United Kingdom will continue to support the rapid deployment of the Multinational Security Support Mission to help deliver the security the Haitian people deserve. We thank Kenya for leading these efforts and thank all countries that have contributed personnel and funds. These efforts are critical, and the United Kingdom has pledged over $6 million dollars to the UN Trust Fund.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

Following North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on Monday 22 April, an FCDO spokesperson gave a statement.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

North Korea’s ballistic missile launch on 22 April is another breach of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). Unlawful ballistic missile launches continue to destabilise the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula.

The UK strongly urges North Korea to stop such provocations, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

Statement by UK Political Coordinator Fergus Eckersley at the UN Security Council meeting on Kosovo.

Let me say at the outset that the UK welcomes the clear commitments to peace and dialogue that we heard today from both Serbia and Kosovo. Despite the differences, we believe that is the only approach that can bring stability and prosperity to the region.

President, the UK is a long-standing supporter of Kosovo’s sovereignty and independence. We commend the government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law and welcome the implementation of the 2016 Constitutional Court ruling on the Decani Monastery’s property.

This commitment to reform brought Kosovo a step closer to realising its aspiration to join the Council of Europe. This will bring tangible benefits for all of Kosovo’s citizens. The UK looks forward to working with Kosovo on the next steps towards a positive decision by the Committee of Ministers.

Yet the absence of a comprehensive and conclusive normalisation agreement between Kosovo and Serbia continues to have negative implications across the region.

While we welcome the progress in December on the energy roadmap and licence plates, fundamental issues remain unresolved. We encourage both sides to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue, delivering on their respective obligations, including establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities.

This needs to be accompanied by a commitment to build a conducive environment for further progress on the Dialogue.

In our view, three factors are particularly important:

First, this means Kosovo should exercise its sovereign powers in a way which reflects its multiethnic population, demonstrating sufficient regard for Kosovo’s non-majority communities. We urge the parties to work with EUSR to identify technical solutions to ongoing challenges around the implementation of the new regulation on foreign currencies.

Second, it means Srpska Lista and other Kosovo-Serb political actors should not stand in the way of Kosovo-Serbs exercising their democratic rights and having their voices heard. We believe that the boycott of the mayoral recall votes in the four northern municipalities yesterday has only left us further away from restoring the representative democracy that the local population deserves.

And finally, it means justice for any, and all, violence. Serbia should ensure that the perpetrators of the shocking events in Banjska last September, and the attacks on NATO KFOR personnel last May, are held to account.

And in that context, as a long-standing supporter of international action and accountability for victims of conflict-related sexual violence, let me on behalf of the UK salute the immense courage of all those who speak out about their own personal experiences.

In closing, I’d like to express the UK’s gratitude to the Special Representative and all Mission staff who have contributed to UNMIK’s work over the last 25 years.

With conditions on the ground now unrecognisable from 1999, we believe it is a good moment for the Council to review UNMIK’s role and responsibilities. This will ensure it can continue to effectively support security, stability and human rights in Kosovo, in a way that reflects the world of 2024.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

The Minister for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon visits Bahrain to discuss regional security with partners.

• Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon arrives in Bahrain today (Sunday 21 April)
• the Minister will visit the UK’s Naval Support Facility in Bahrain where the UK has supported operations against illegal and dangerous Iran-backed Houthi attacks against international shipping
• during his visit, he is expected to meet with counterparts to discuss the situation in Israel and Gaza, regional security, and the Red Sea

The UK Minister of State for the Middle East has arrived in Bahrain today (Sunday 21 April) for talks on upholding regional security and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to tackling the dangerous threat posed by Iran-backed proxies and partners.

Lord Ahmad will visit the UK Maritime Component Command at the Naval Support Facility from where the UK is supporting Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Poseidon Archer alongside international partners.

The operations have sought to deter Houthi aggression and protect international shipping from the Houthis’ reckless and indiscriminate attacks against commercial and military vessels, including the UK contributions to the international taskforce from Royal Navy ships HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond.

In meetings with Bahrain’s National Security Advisor, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister, Lord Ahmad will also discuss the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, reiterating the UK’s efforts towards securing an immediate pause in the fighting to get more life-saving aid into Gaza faster and through as many routes as possible.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle East, said:

At this critical period, we must do all we can – including working with key partners – to strengthen regional stability and security and push for de-escalation.

The UK and Bahrain are close partners and they have a crucial role to play in the region and I look forward to discussing our ongoing efforts towards alleviating the dire humanitarian suffering in Gaza by getting more aid in through as many routes as possible and to get hostages out.

We must also work closely together to address the threat posed by the Iran-backed Houthis in the Red Sea and make progress towards peace and security in the Middle East, most importantly securing an irreversible pathway to delivering a two-state solution of Israel and Palestine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 April 2024.

David Cameron will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world.

The Foreign Secretary will visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia to as part of government ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region of the world. He will meet leaders across the region to deepen cooperation on shared challenges, from counter-terrorism to climate change.

He will support global opportunities for young people, by ensuring that English language teachers across the region will have access to tailored British Council English language teaching materials. He will double the amount of funding for Chevening scholarships, so more people can study at Britain’s world-class universities.

He will support British business to create jobs and growth from Bridgend to Bishkek. He will show that British business provides the sustainable, quality investment that can drive growth without compromising the region’s hard won sovereignty.

The Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, said:

We live in a contested, competitive world. If you want to protect and promote British interests you need to get out there and compete.

Central Asia is at the epicentre of some of the biggest challenges we face and it’s vital for the UK and the region that we drive forward its future prosperity.

The Foreign Secretary will anchor top-level relationships between the UK and Central Asian states and Mongolia, solidifying our role as a long-term partner in the region. He will advance discussions on sanctions circumvention, human rights and reform.

He will use the visit to announce £50 million new development funding for the Central Asia and Eastern Neighbourhood region over the next 3 years. UK funding will not only boost regional growth and economic resilience but build trade and cooperation between our countries, making the region and the UK safer and more prosperous.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will visit an array of important sites including a hydro-electric project in Tajikistan, a canal irrigation site in Kyrgyzstan and a cultural site in Mongolia.

David Cameron is the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan and the first to Uzbekistan since 1997. It is also the first visit to Mongolia at this level in over decade. This week’s visit underlines the UK government’s ambition to increase engagement with this pivotal region, and is a crucial moment to drive forward British values, build our geopolitical relationship and deliver opportunities for people in the region and the UK.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Thank you Presidency, and once again I thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director Wosornu for her briefing, and now I have the pleasure of thanking his Excellency Mr Ibn Chambas for his briefing and also for underling to us the value of AU-UNSC cooperation.

I would like to make three points that are grounded in the aspirations of the Sudanese people, the suffering they endure, and their hopes for a peaceful future.

First, this week marked five years since the Sudanese people demonstrated their aspirations for self-determination when their protests ended decades of dictatorship.

These hopes have been dashed by the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces.

Second, Sudan is now in the grip of the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis.  Deliberate obstruction and targeting of aid convoys is preventing life-saving supplies from reaching those most in need.

Civilians are being murdered, women and girls are being raped. Villages are being looted and burned to the ground.

Through Resolution 2724 this Council joined the UN Secretary-General, the African Union, and the League of Arab States to call on the warring parties to silence the guns during the Holy Month of Ramadan.  But they ignored this united international call for peace and inflicted further hardship on the Sudanese people.

The United Kingdom is also concerned by the growing tensions in El-Fasher.  The humanitarian consequences of full-scale conflict in and around the city would be catastrophic.

We call on the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces and also armed movements present in the city to take measures to de-escalate and we underline all parties’ obligations under international humanitarian law, including to protect civilians.

Third, it is not too late for Sudan to return from the brink.  For this to happen, we need first, the warring parties should return to negotiations including through the Jeddah process, to agree a durable ceasefire, and support a political process designed to restore civilian rule.

The Sudanese authorities need to uphold their commitments to facilitate crossline and cross-border humanitarian access, and immediately restore the vital Adre border route.

Third, external actors providing material support to either warring faction are prolonging the bloodshed. Those who have influence with the warring parties need to use this constructively, to bring them to the negotiating table.

President, as we announced at the Paris conference, the United Kingdom will double its humanitarian aid to almost $110 million in the next year.  But without sustained humanitarian access, it will not reach those most in need, nor help to avert famine.

This anniversary is an unacceptable milestone in an unjustifiable conflict.  We once again call on the warring parties to end the fighting now, to remove barriers to humanitarian delivery, and to engage in a political process.

I thank you.