Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 February 2024.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment on strengthening trade, investment, and economic transformation in Ghana at the nineth UK-Ghana Business Council in Accra on 31 January 2024.

• signs bilateral Communique with Ghana on economic commitments from the ninth UK-Ghana Business Council
• signs MOU agreements to further partnerships in automotive sector, animal systems, science technology, and innovation with Ghana
• commits to continued partnerships in line with the United Kingdom’s International Development White Paper

The council, which was co-chaired by the Vice President of Ghana, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the Minister for State for Development and Africa, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, agreed specific actions to accelerate greater trade and investment to bring mutual prosperity for both countries.

Minister for Development and Africa, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP, said:

I am immensely proud of the UK-Ghana Business Council and what we have delivered together. Today we celebrate the success of a new partnership in the automotive sector, and a new Green Cities and Infrastructure programme, which will help mobilise climate finance and of course, exciting ambitions for our relationship on science, technology, and innovation.

This is a testament to the enduring friendship between our two countries. Our collaborative efforts in the past 5 years have chartered a course for economic prosperity, innovation, and shared growth.

I look forward to our commitment to continue to create opportunities for our nations.

The Minister recognised the significance of the £5 million multi-country ODA funded bilateral technical partnership on animal health between the UK and countries in Africa, including Ghana. This was during a meeting with the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong.

The project aims to strengthen terrestrial and aquatic animal health systems to better prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks, increasing the productivity and resilience of the farming sector and working towards ending preventable deaths in vulnerable communities. To date, over 228 communities in Ghana have benefited from the project.

He also expressed the UK’s continued support and commitment for Ghana’s economic recovery and discussed progress on the IMF programme in a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah. Andrew Mitchell also used the opportunity to engage on the Climate Vulnerable Forum’s priorities with President Nasheed and how the UK can support Ghana as chair.

Further to his engagement with the Deputy Minister of Finance, Andrew Mitchell also met with the Minister for National Security, Hon. Albert Kan-Dapaah. The two discussed regional security developments, including the situation in Niger, and Ghana’s role in bilateral and multilateral responses through ECOWAS and the Accra Initiative building off the back of the third Security Dialogue held in Accra recently.

Minister Mitchell also met with MPs from both sides of the political divide, and used the opportunity to express the value the UK government places on Ghana’s democracy and the importance of free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 3 February 2024.

The Prime Minister spoke to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon yesterday.

The leaders discussed a wide range of international issues, as well as the thriving UK-New Zealand bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister thanked New Zealand for their contribution to Operation Interflex, which has trained almost 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, saying it was an extremely valuable contribution to Ukraine’s defence.

He also welcomed Prime Minister Luxon’s support for action to deter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The leaders agreed it was vital to build an international coalition to stand up to aggression and defend freedom of navigation at sea, whether in the Gulf or the Pacific. On the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s work to secure the release of hostages, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reach a sustainable ceasefire.

Turning to economic issues, Prime Minister Luxon welcomed the UK’s accession to the major CPTPP trade bloc and the leaders highlighted the opportunities flowing from the new UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. They agreed it was important for 5 Eyes partners to continue to cooperate on addressing threats to global economic security and stability, including from China.

The Prime Minister welcomed the opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Luxon and looked forward to continuing to deepen the historic alliance between the UK and New Zealand, built on strong security, economic and cultural ties.

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

David Cameron reaffirms UK commitment to supporting de-escalation efforts in Lebanon, & ongoing support to the Lebanese Armed Forces reaching £100m since 2009.

UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, ended a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday. This is his first official visit to the country as Foreign Secretary, following his previous visit as Prime Minister in September 2015 and his fourth visit to the Middle East as Foreign Secretary.

David Cameron, accompanied by Lord Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Joseph Aoun, and Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon,  Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro Sáenz. In his meetings, David Cameron raised his concerns on the rising tensions along Lebanon’s boundary with Israel and underlined the UK’s commitment to support the de-escalation of violence.

During a visit to the Rayak military airbase in the Bekaa, David Cameron saw first-hand how the UK and Lebanon are working closely together on providing training for the four Land Border Regiments. Cameron reaffirmed the longstanding and proud partnership with the Lebanese Army.

The Foreign Secretary announced UK support for the LAF, which has now surpassed £100 million since 2009. To date, the UK has supported the construction of 78 border towers, the provision of 344 Land Rovers, 3450 sets of PPE to soldiers deployed on border operations, 100 Land Rover armoured patrol vehicles trained and mentored over 26,500 LAF personnel in border operations and internal security.

The Foreign Secretary also announced £7.35 million of new UK aid funding to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, which supports UN agencies and NGOs to provide food, water, shelter and other basic support to vulnerable communities across Lebanon. And a £2.6m contribution to support the education of vulnerable children through a network of community centres for out of school children as part of UNICEF and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s (MEHE) Transition and Resilience Education Fund (TREF).

The visit builds on the Foreign Secretary’s regional visits last week and this week. He continues to push for an immediate pause to get aid in and hostages out, and building towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

The UK is working to help preserve stability in Lebanon and prevent a damaging regional escalation.

We’re supporting the Lebanon Armed Forces – we’ve trained over 26,500 Lebanese soldiers and are giving further humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable.

Thank you PM Najib Mikati and Speaker Berri.

British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said:

Yesterday’s visit by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and Minister for the Middle East Lord Ahmad reaffirms the UK’s long-standing support and commitment to Lebanon’s stability and security.

The situation across the Blue Line is fragile and an escalation in violence is not in anyone’s interests. In his meetings, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for a cessation of hostilities and implementation of UNSCR 1701. This is critical if we are to see a long-term solution for peace.

We are proud of our steadfast support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, which will continue to strengthen their ability to manage and respond to security challenges. Our support to the most vulnerable in Lebanon also continues.

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

The inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue took place in Brussels on 2 February 2024, to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism.

On 2 February 2024, the inaugural UK-EU Counter-Terrorism (CT) Dialogue, as established by the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), took place in Brussels. This Dialogue was a welcome opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) to discuss a wide range of counter-terrorism issues, including assessments on the terrorist threat, and strategic approaches for prevention and response in order to protect our citizens.

The UK and EU shared best practice and expertise on counter-terrorism, including responses to terrorist content online and financing of terrorism. They also spoke about cooperation, including with other third countries and in multilateral fora and agreed to continue these important exchanges.

The UK delegation was chaired by Jonathan Emmett, Director of Counter-Terrorism & Homeland Security Strategy in the Home Office, who was accompanied by officials from the Home Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and a police representative from the UK’s Liaison Bureau at Europol. On the EU side, which included an observer from the Belgian Presidency on behalf of EU Member States, the Dialogue was chaired by Nadia Costantini, Special Envoy for Counter-Terrorism, of the European External Action Service (EEAS). Representatives from the European Commission, including Deputy Director-General from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs, Olivier Onidi, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator’s office also joined.

The UK welcomed the rich and constructive discussion with its EU counterparts. The next CT Dialogue will be held in London.

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

Deputy Ambassador Brown marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day and condemns Holocaust denial and distortion.

Thank you Ambassador Gras, for your introductory comments and Croatia’s work as President of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

Last week we marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, remembering and honouring the 6 million Jewish people, Roma, disabled, gay men, political opponents and Jehovah’s Witnesses who were murdered. All murdered for who they were and what they believed.

The Holocaust was one of the darkest moments in human history. Tragically, recent events have underlined its continued relevance today. Israel was founded in the shadow of the Holocaust as a place of sanctuary for the Jewish people. And as we have seen the ugly face of antisemitism resurface, with an unprecedented surge in hate crime globally since the barbaric attacks on the 7th of October. Shamefully, this was also the case in the United Kingdom.

The UK will succeed Croatia as President of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance later this year, convening meetings in Glasgow in June and in London in December. During our Presidency we will mark the 85th anniversary of the first Kindertransport, the rescue of almost ten thousand Jewish children. Children who became Nobel prize winners, members of our legislatures and – in the UK – include the midwife who first held the future King Charles the Third.

We will soon reach a point where the march of time means that the Holocaust will no longer be part of our living history. With that comes a growing concern about the rise of Holocaust denial and distortion – recasting history to erase the devastating horrors faced by the Jewish people and others.

Our Presidency therefore aims to help children understand that the Holocaust did not happen in secret, hidden away in the dark corner, beyond most citizens’ gaze. We want to shine a spotlight on the circumstances that led up to the Holocaust and the nature of society that allowed it to happen in plain sight.

Alongside this, we will prioritise tackling the continued rise of Holocaust distortion. We have a duty to protect the facts, fighting back against attempts to minimise or erase the devastation endured by the Jewish people. As IHRA Presidency and working with the OSCE, the UK will therefore convene AI, social media and other experts to discuss Holocaust distortion, including risks from deep fake technology and online disinformation.

Today is above all a day for remembering. We remember all those who were murdered.  And as we remember them, I reiterate the UK’s commitment to continuing that remembrance among future generations and to combating antisemitism domestically and across the OSCE region.

Thank you Chair.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 1 February 2024.

The UK and France will go even further and faster in tackling illegal migration and build even closer law enforcement and security cooperation ties in 2024.

During talks in Paris on Tuesday (30 January), Home Secretary James Cleverly and French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin discussed the breadth of their shared priorities, the enduring strength of the UK-France relationship and the opportunities for further deepening of cooperation.

This year marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, which brought a new age of UK-French relations.

The Home Secretary welcomed the excellent work from French law enforcement to reduce the number of small boats reaching the UK by 36% in 2023 compared to the previous year. He also welcomed the action to target ‘taxi-boat’ launches, including by constructing barriers and increasing patrols, where UK-France cooperation directly impacted organised criminal activity.

To go further in our response, the Home Secretary and Interior Minister Darmanin welcomed plans to accelerate delivery of the March 2023 UK-France Summit agreement. These plans will expedite deployment of key aerial surveillance equipment, ensuring unprecedented levels of coverage to enable French law enforcement to intercept crossing attempts as quickly as possible. The Home Secretary underlined that cross-Channel cooperation to save lives at sea remains an important priority.

The Home Secretary also endorsed both countries’ commitment to new UK-France cooperation focused on disruption of small boats materials’ supply through enhanced intelligence sharing.

As part of further pan-European efforts to tackle illegal migration, the ministers discussed convening a meeting of the Calais Group Interior Ministers in the spring to lead discussions with key near neighbour partners on further efforts to tackle illegal migration.

The Home Secretary committed to the UK continuing to share security experience and expertise to support France’s preparations for the Olympics.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK and France are friends, neighbours and partners. Our cooperation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe.

France is an essential partner to prevent illegal migration. The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs. Their commitment is exemplary, and the results are impressive.

I want to thank my friend Gérald Darmanin for his continued leadership and support in tackling the small boat crisis and pledge to see our countries continue to work closely together, not least as France takes on the challenge of hosting the Olympics this summer.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said:

In the follow-up of 2023, France and the UK will deepen their cooperation, which is essential in the very intense fight against violent and reckless smugglers’ networks.

They will also continue calling for a UK-EU agreement on migration issues so as to better manage illegal as well as legal migration.

Besides, their joint action will also cover the security of major upcoming events this year, with a particular focus on the Summer Olympics.

The dialogue between our 2 countries should also help improve the fight against radicalisation as well as crimes committed online.

Both countries continue to deliver against the landmark deal agreed between the Prime Minister and President Macron during the March 2023 Leaders’ Summit. Already, over half of the 500 UK-funded French personnel have been deployed to tackle small boats.

The recent fatal incidents in the Channel are a tragic reminder of the human cost of these dangerous crossings. It is imperative to dismantle the organised criminal gangs responsible, whose action is increasingly violent and inhuman.

Since May 2023, the UK and France have worked even more closely together in northern France, with UK liaison officers permanently based in Lille and in Calais, enhancing information exchange at working level between our countries in order to prevent crossings and investigate organised criminal groups.

The UK and France continue to have a strong and highly valued relationship on security and counter terrorism issues. This includes cooperation to tackle terrorism at home and overseas, including action against Hamas and other terrorist groups.

The UK continues to offer France with support for the upcoming Olympic Games, having shared experiences from London 2012 and other major events including Her Majesty The Late Queen’s funeral and His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

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

Deputy Ambassador Brown thanks Minister Hasler for outlining Liechtenstein’s priorities at the Council of Europe, and for the close collaboration with the OSCE.

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

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown condemns reports of the declining humanitarian situation in the Ukrainian territories temporarily under Russian control and Russia’s attempts to erase Ukrainian identity.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Firstly, I would like to thank you and your team for convening last week’s Special Permanent Council.  We heard 22 statements condemning Russia’s heinous attacks and underscoring our unwavering support for Ukraine. We must, and will, continue to hold Russia to account for failing to uphold the OSCE’s founding principles and abide by international humanitarian and human rights law.

The humanitarian situation in the regions of Ukraine temporarily under Russian control is deeply concerning. Millions of people live in these areas where access for humanitarian organisations has been mostly impossible. Reports suggest civilians are struggling to access water, food, shelter and other essential services. Russia has repeatedly ignored calls to allow humanitarians safe access to these areas. Russia claims to have “liberated” these territories. Instead, it has brought hardship and suffering. There are reports that Russia has carried out enforced disappearances, summary executions of civilians, and unlawful detention and torture, especially targeting civil servants, pro-Ukraine activists and journalists, and other civilians presumed to oppose the occupation.

We condemn Russia’s decision to hold Russian presidential elections in Ukraine this year, further violating Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Russia will not succeed in legitimising its attempted illegal annexation in this way. As the UN General Assembly made overwhelmingly clear in October 2022, these regions are and always will be Ukrainian.

Russia’s despicable and systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity, and with it, Ukraine’s future, is unfortunately not limited to changes on a map. Ukrainian children have been targeted by Russia’s appalling forced deportation strategy.

We are seriously concerned by reports that over 19,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia or temporarily controlled Russian territory since Russia launched its full-scale invasion; that fewer than 400 have so far been returned to Ukraine; and that a senior Russian politician has even illegally adopted a Ukrainian child.

Under a new Russian citizenship law passed in January, Russian authorities claim they can confer Russian citizenship upon vulnerable Ukrainian children deported to Russia. We call upon Russia to cease these deportations immediately. We condemn these actions, and are determined to hold to account those responsible for forcibly deporting and attempting to indoctrinate Ukrainian children.

The UK is pleased to be joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children tomorrow. We welcome its establishment and fully endorse the joint Declaration. This is an important step towards a global coordinated effort to return Ukrainian children to their homeland, and an initiative the UK fully supports.

In closing, Madam Chair, we have raised the case of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a dual British-Russian national imprisoned in Russia, on several occasions in this Forum. While we welcome the news that he has been located following a prison transfer, he should not be in prison at all. He is in prison for engaging in legitimate criticism of the political situation: for speaking out against the war in Ukraine and against Putin’s regime. We reiterate our call for his immediate and unconditional release. And, as we raised last week, we remain concerned at Russia’s continued detention of our three OSCE colleagues of the Special Monitoring Mission. The UK again calls for their immediate release, along with all Ukrainians currently victims of arbitrary detention.

The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes. Thank you, Madam Chair.

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

UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme opens for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals, making travel to the UK smoother and cheaper.

The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme has opened for Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals who are travelling to the UK from 22 February 2024. This expansion of the scheme follows the successful launch for Qataris, who have been able to benefit since October 2023, with most applying using the UK ETA mobile app.

ETAs replace electronic visa waivers (EVW) and remove the visa requirement for short stays to the UK for Gulf and Jordanian nationals.

Nationals of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan can now make unlimited visits to the UK over a 2-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner, for just £10. Previously, Gulf nationals paid £30 through the electronic visa waiver scheme and Jordanians paid £115 for a single-use visitor visa.

Gulf visitors are highly valuable to the UK economy, with almost 800,000 Gulf visitors spending £2 billion during their stays in the UK in 2022.

The ETA is part of the UK government’s transformation and digitisation of the UK border and immigration system, enabling an increasingly seamless customer experience in the future for legitimate visitors. Ensuring robust security checks on every visitor pre-travel enables us to bolster the security of the UK border, prevent abuse and keep our communities safe.

The Home Secretary is marking the expansion of the scheme today at a celebratory event with the Gulf and Jordanian ambassadors and representatives from the travel and tourism sectors.

Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said:

The ETA will improve the experience of travelling to the UK for the thousands of visitors from the Gulf and Jordan, who represent our second largest tourism market and contribute billions to the UK economy.

The scheme is a vital step on our path to cementing the UK’s position as a world leader in border innovation and security.

Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

I am delighted that with the introduction of ETAs it will be even easier for our Gulf and Jordanian friends to visit the UK.

Our strong people to people links underpin our close partnership, and we all benefit from the boost to trade, education and tourism ties ETAs will bring.

The application process for an ETA is simple and fast to complete, with the process being entirely digital via a mobile phone app. Applicants need to provide biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once individuals have successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.

Decisions will usually be made within 3 working days, however the majority are decided within hours.

VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

It is great to see the electronic travel authorisation scheme roll out to more Gulf nationals as well as for Jordanians, making travel to the UK easier, cheaper and more accessible for them. Combined with our strong airline connections, the scheme boosts our competitive tourism offer and our welcome to visitors.

Our GREAT Britain campaigns are underway across the region to showcase the breadth of exciting experiences and destinations to inspire travel to Britain. VisitBritain is also working with travel trade and partners in the Gulf so British destinations are sold internationally and to drive bookings now. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience our vibrant and dynamic tourism offer.

The scheme will apply worldwide to those who do not currently need a visa to visit or transit through the UK or who do not hold a UK immigration status, including nationals from Europe and America.

Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet and timings for when the scheme opens for them will be confirmed in due course.

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

The UK has imposed fresh sanctions on Myanmar military-linked entities and infantry divisions to mark 3 years since the military coup.

• UK imposes fresh sanctions against military divisions and enterprises involved in the repression of the civilian population and serious human rights violations in Myanmar
• in the 3 years since the military coup, the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar sanctions regime
• the UK and partners have published a joint statement condemning the military’s ongoing violence against civilians

3 years on from the military coup in Myanmar, the UK has imposed further sanctions against those responsible for ongoing repression in the country. Sanctioned today are 2 Myanmar military divisions responsible for carrying out serious human rights violations and 2 state-owned enterprises which provide economic resources and support to the Myanmar security forces.

Sanctions against 2 state-owned enterprises affiliated with the Myanmar security forces will help block the regime’s access to vital resources used to strengthen the military’s grip. Also sanctioned today are 2 Light Infantry Divisions of the Myanmar security forces, which since the coup have escalated their appalling attacks against civilians, including targeting voices of dissent and opposition.

Since the coup the UK has sanctioned 25 individuals and 33 entities under the Myanmar Sanctions Regime, targeting the military’s access to finance, arms and equipment. The UK has also targeted the military’s 2 key conglomerates and their 111 subsidiaries, as well as 3 individuals under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, most recently in December 2023.

In addition to fresh sanctions, the United Kingdom has, alongside 8 countries and the EU, released a joint statement, reiterating our condemnation of the military regime’s continued violence against and repression of its own people.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron said:

Three years after its coup, we are increasing our pressure on the Myanmar military to stop its brutal repression of the Myanmar people.

That’s why the UK is imposing new sanctions to help stop the military’s access to resources. We are joining with international partners to call for renewed efforts to secure a peaceful and democratic future for Myanmar.

The entities sanctioned today

1. Mining Enterprise 1 (ME1) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces (MSF) and making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
2. Mining Enterprise 2 (ME2) for involvement in the repression of the civilian population in Myanmar, by being affiliated to the Myanmar Security Forces and by making available funds or other economic resources to the MSF.
3. Light Infantry Division 77 (LID 77) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. Namely the crackdown on protestors involving excessive lethal force and killing, and internet shutdowns during protests in Bago.
4. Light Infantry Division 101 (LID 101) for involvement in serious human rights violations in Myanmar. This includes arbitrary arrests, detention or enforced disappearance; torture or cruel treatment against people for their political opinion, religious belief or ethnicity; and forms of sexual and gender-based violence.