Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 October 2023.

The UK’s new Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme will develop more sustainable green cities and provide climate-resilient infrastructure.

• new multi-million programme to support green cities and develop resilient infrastructure in lower income countries
• expertise and technical support from across UK government will encourage innovation and sustainable economic growth
• Zambia, Tanzania, and Bangladesh among the many countries to benefit

A new £48 million programme to improve infrastructure in lower income countries has been set out by Minister of State for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels today (Wednesday 25 October).

Drawing on expertise from across the UK government and the private sector, the £48 million Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP) will deliver low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure, and support cities in lower income countries to become hubs of innovation while bolstering sustainable economic growth.

Examples include:

• in Zambia, working alongside the US and EU, the programme will provide technical support to reduce the transportation costs of goods through the Lobito Corridor to Angola and create new development opportunities, for example by supporting infrastructure for processing raw materials, including food
• in Tanzania, it will improve waste management in Dar Es Salaam and support the city to become more resilient to climate shocks
• in Bangladesh, it will improve traffic management and reduce pollution across major cities, informed by expertise from Transport for London

Andrew Mitchell, Minister for Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said:

By making the UK’s expertise more accessible, the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme will help lower income countries close their infrastructure gaps, creating climate resilience, supporting sustainable growth, and reducing poverty. The impact will be transformative.

The £48 million investment is part of the UK’s contribution to the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) – a collective commitment to mobilise up to $600 billion (about £495 billion) by the end of 2027 to help narrow the infrastructure and investment gap in lower income countries.

Delivery of the GCIP will be through the FCDO’s Centre of Expertise in Green Cities and Infrastructure, which provides coordinated UK support for better urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

It will work closely with British Investment Partnerships (BIP), which brings together all the UK government’s development and investment offer, including development finance, export finance, capital market mobilisation, and UK technical expertise.

This announcement comes as the UK prepares to host the UK-African Investment Summit next year, forming part of wider plans to strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and stimulate growth.

Background

• the Global Gateway Forum brings together representatives of governments from the European Union and from around the world with the private sector, civil society, leading thinkers, financing institutions, and international organisations in a two-day event in Brussels on 25 and 26 October 2023
• the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment was agreed at the Carbis Bay Summit in June 2021 to narrow the infrastructure investment gap in low- and middle-income countries. The Prime Minister confirmed in May that the UK would aim to mobilise $40 billion in financing for sustainable infrastructure investment and economic development by the end of 2027
• British Investment Partnerships was launched as part of the UK’s International Development Strategy, published in May 2022, to deliver honest and reliable investment, building on the UK’s financial expertise and the strengths of the City of London, and supporting partner countries to grow their economies sustainably
• the UK will host the UK-African Investment Summit in London on 23 to 24 April 2024, bringing together heads of state and government from 25 African countries with British and African business leaders. It aims to strengthen UK-African partnerships to create jobs and growth; support British and African talent in sectors such as finance and technology; and promote women entrepreneurs

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 October 2023.

Statement by Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 October 2023.

The Foreign Secretary hosts Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel to sign a declaration on a new UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership.

• UK and Bulgaria have signed a joint declaration to expand defence and security ties, tackling Russian disinformation and organised immigration crime
• comes after agreement announced earlier this month between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to tackle illegal migration
• Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for cooperation on long-term support to Ukraine and security in the Black Sea region

The UK will tackle illegal migration, serious organised crime and Russian disinformation through a new strategic partnership with Bulgaria.

The joint declaration signed by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and his counterpart, Mariya Gabriel, in London today (24 October) will drive cooperation on shared challenges facing European countries, including organised crime and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The signing follows an agreement announced earlier this month between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov to tackle illegal migration and organised immigration crime with increased intelligence sharing and operational cooperation.

The UK has stepped up cooperation on law enforcement since 2020, providing training and equipment to the Bulgarian authorities, including customs and border police, to disrupt the operations of criminal networks.

The ministers are also expected to discuss the challenging situation in Israel and Gaza and the importance of regional security.

The new Joint Declaration on the UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership also reflects a shared ambition to further enhance close cooperation, including an increase in academic mobility, R&D and digital trade, as well as boosting links between businesses through the Bulgaria Expansion Bridge, which supports companies to set up in the UK.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK and Bulgaria are strong friends and partners. From our joint work tackling illegal migration and serious organised crime, to our unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

This strategic partnership cements our commitment to strengthening our cooperation in areas like trade, education and technology, which will help to grow both of our economies.

During their meeting the foreign ministers emphasised the need to continue to support Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression and restore security in the Black Sea region.

The UK and Bulgaria have been resolute in their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, in the provision of lethal aid to Ukraine, and aligning closely in the implementation of the largest package of sanctions targeted against those supporting the war in Ukraine.

The joint declaration demonstrates both countries’ commitment to a wide-ranging relationship, building on over 140 years of strong ties. The foreign ministers also discussed their intention to set up a UK-Bulgaria bilateral forum in the future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 October 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

• Prime Minister announces new aid package to provide food, water, healthcare, and shelter for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis
• in a statement in the House he reiterated the UK’s commitment to Israel’s defence and called for “a constant stream of aid going in to Gaza”
• new pledge makes UK one of the biggest humanitarian donors to the crisis and follows Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary’s diplomatic efforts to open the Rafah crossing

The UK will provide a further £20 million of humanitarian aid for civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs), the Prime Minister announced today (Monday 23 October).

This latest funding is in addition to the £10 million of aid announced by the Prime Minister last week and brings to £30 million the total donated by the UK to the OPTs since Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel on 7 October – more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million).

The Prime Minister made the announcement in a statement to the House of Commons, in which he also set out the UK’s intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent regional escalation, back Israel’s security and support long-term solutions to the crisis in the Middle East.

The additional funding means the UK continues to be at the forefront of the global effort to help Palestinian people access the vital lifesaving support they need. The funding will allow trusted partners, including key UN agencies and the Red Cross, to provide essential relief items and services. The aid will respond to critical food, water, healthcare, shelter and protection needs for those affected by this severe humanitarian crisis.

Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

I recognise that the Palestinian people are suffering terribly. Too many lives have already been lost, and the humanitarian crisis is growing.

We welcome the limited opening of the Rafah crossing – it is important progress, and testament to the power of diplomacy. But it is not enough.

We need a constant stream of aid pouring in, bringing the water, food, medicine and fuel that is so desperately needed.

We are providing an additional £20 million of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza – more than doubling our previous support to the Palestinian people.

The opening of the Rafah crossing allowing aid to enter Gaza came after a series of diplomatic engagements in the Middle East by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly last week.

The Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK remains wholeheartedly committed to supporting civilians trapped in Gaza.

Humanitarian access must be allowed so civilians can receive vital, lifesaving support, including food, water and shelter, as quickly and effectively as possible.

The UK is committed to easing the desperate – and deteriorating – humanitarian situation in Gaza, while standing alongside the people of Israel against the terrorist group Hamas. We continue to call for immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access for lifesaving aid to reach Gazans including food, water, fuel and medical supplies, and for all parties to take steps to protect civilians and uphold international law.

The UK will consider further support depending on the changing humanitarian needs on the ground. This goes beyond funding alone and must include diplomatic efforts. The Prime Minister raised humanitarian support his meetings with the leaders of Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Palestinian Authority last week; and during the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit, he spoke to counterparts in Egypt, Turkey and Qatar to work with them to push for agreement on ongoing humanitarian access to Gaza.

The UK is also working with the Government of Egypt to advocate for the Rafah crossing to be opened for foreign nationals, including British nationals and staff members of the British Consulate and their families, to leave Gaza.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2023.

Marshal Martin Sampson, ended a two-day visit to Lebanon to reassure and show support to the UK’s partners in the region including Lebanon.

The UK Defence Senior Advisor to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME), Air Marshal Martin Sampson, ended a two-day visit to Lebanon 18-19 October 2023. This is part of his regional tour, including Egypt and Jordan – to reassure and show support to the UK’s partners in the region including Lebanon.

Air Marshal Sampson met with General Joseph Aoun, Chief of Defence for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In his messages he reiterated the UK’s unwavering support to the people of Lebanon and the LAF.

In a phone call with UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Aroldo Lázaro, Air Marshal Sampson conveyed the UK’s support to UNIFIL and its important role in maintaining calm and stability.

At Hamat Air Base, Air Marshal Sampson was briefed on the many UK military training tasks in Lebanon, including the highly successful joint military exercise “Pegasus Cedar” which was the UK’s largest ever joint military exercise with the Lebanese Air Assault Regiment.

At the end of his visit, Air Marshal Sampson said:

An important time to visit Lebanon during the current regional instability. During my meetings I reiterated the UK’s position that Lebanon must not be dragged into a regional conflict.

The LAF continues to be at the forefront of safeguarding Lebanon’s security and stability which remains a priority for the UK.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2023.

The second ministerial meeting of the UK-Tunisia Association Council took place in London on 12 October 2023.

The British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the Right Honourable James Cleverly, and Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, welcomed His Excellency Nabil Ammar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia, for wide-ranging talks on the bilateral partnership.

The talks covered the positive shared history between the 2 countries and peoples, reaffirming the vision of a comprehensive partnership to deepen trade and investment, an education partnership, security cooperation and deeper engagement on the shared challenge of irregular migration. Talks also covered the political situation, the importance of political participation, democratic freedoms and human rights in both countries, as well as regional and international political developments.

On trade, the Association Council meeting:

• agreed to advance initiatives to deepen bilateral trade and mutually beneficial investments
• highlighted their aspiration to develop their economic relations by encouraging UK companies to explore opportunities to invest in Tunisia across a variety of sectors. The 2 countries looked forward to the completion of a number of investment projects, and to work closely on renewable energy under the framework of the UK-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding
• reaffirmed the Association Agreement as an effective mechanism for closer economic ties.  A sub-committee was established to support an increase in bilateral trade and investment, and to tackle barriers faced by British and Tunisia companies when accessing each other’s markets

In addition to trade and investment, the 2 sides discussed:

• irregular migration: recognising that significant increases in irregular migration flows into North Africa this year, across the Mediterranean and beyond, can only be tackled by close international cooperation. Both countries recognised the exploitative role that organised criminal groups are playing, the real need to disrupt these human trafficking networks, and to invest in encouraging migrants to stay and invest in their home countries
• security: both sides committing to deeper partnership in tackling terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms, and reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The 2 parties expressed deep concern regarding the evolution of the terrorist threat in Africa, particularly in the Sahel
• education: reaffirming a commitment to capitalise on the growing Tunisian interest in British education and the English language, especially among youth, and closer collaboration between British and Tunisian higher education and scientific research institutions

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 October 2023.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office response to the departure of Canadian diplomats from India.

A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson said:

Resolving differences requires communication and diplomats in respective capitals.

We do not agree with the decisions taken by the Indian government that have resulted in a number of Canadian diplomats departing India.

We expect all states to uphold their obligations under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The unilateral removal of the privileges and immunities that provide for the safety and security of diplomats is not consistent with the principles or the effective functioning of the Vienna Convention.

We continue to encourage India to engage with Canada on its independent investigation into the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 October 2023.

The UK and other OSCE participating States mark the 21st World Day against the Death Penalty at the OSCE.

Thank you, Mr. Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Andorra, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, the United Kingdom and my own country Switzerland.

Nine days ago we observed the 21st World Day against the Death Penalty, which commemorates our collective efforts in the fight against the death penalty and the achievements and progress made in recent years.

We welcome the continuing trend towards universal abolition of the death penalty. Today, 113 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty completely, and more than two-thirds of the world’s countries have abolished it in law or practice. We are pleased that one more state, Ghana, has joined the abolitionist movement this year, and we now encourage Ghana to join us in signing the second optional protocol of the international covenant on civil and political rights. Furthermore, we welcome the recent decision of the National Assembly of Armenia to ratify Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which provides for the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, including during times of war or imminent threat of war.

At the same time, two OSCE participating States continue to apply the death penalty: Belarus and the United States. Despite the repeated calls for its abolition, Belarus remains the only country in Europe and Central Asia to use the capital punishment. Moreover, the use of the death penalty has been extended twice in the last two years, contrary to the country’s international obligations. We deeply deplore the recent expansion of the use of the death penalty and urge Belarus to reverse this trend and abolish the death penalty as soon as possible.

Mr. Chair,

We stand firmly against the use of capital punishment at all times and under any circumstances. The death penalty is not consistent with human rights, including the right to life. The evidence is clear, it does not serve the prevention of crime, violence or violent extremism, as it is not proven to be   a greater deterrent to potential offenders than other severe punishments.

We call on all states, within the OSCE and beyond, to join the global movement against the death penalty and, in the meantime, to establish a formal moratorium on executions. We also encourage all states to support the resolution on the question of the death penalty that was negotiated at the 54th session of the Human Rights Council.

In addition to state action, we encourage civil society, political leaders, NGOs, lawyers, local representatives, parliamentarians, reporters, religious leaders and citizens to take actions against the death penalty on October 10th and every day. The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference once again demonstrated the important contribution of civil society actors in the campaign for the universal abolition of the death penalty. Their work has been crucial to the progress made so far.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.