Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2026.

Travelling to Finland and Norway, the Foreign Secretary will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region.

• Foreign Secretary says “Arctic security is critical to protecting Britain and NATO” as she pledges support for allies on visit to High North   
• Yvette Cooper to call for NATO to step up its work in the Arctic as she visits Finland and Norway 
• UK at forefront of Arctic Security as climate change turns region into a hotspot for geopolitical competition and a critical flank for security 

The Foreign Secretary is touring the Arctic Circle to see UK efforts to bolster regional security and to highlight the importance of stronger challenge against hostile states who seek to meddle in the High North. Travelling to Finland and Norway, she will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region.    

The High North is home to key shipping routes and vital critical national infrastructure such as undersea cables, is key to the UK’s security, prosperity and environment.  

In Finland, the Foreign Secretary will meet Border Guards defending NATO’s eastern flank with Russia. In Norway, she will visit Royal Marines taking part in a live training demonstration at Camp Viking. The military base acts as the year-round operations hub for the UK Commando Force, providing essential cold weather training for up to 1500 personnel.   

The UK and Norway share a determination to ensure Russia does not succeed in its illegal war of aggression. Sanctions against the Shadow Fleet by the UK and partners have anchored an estimated 200 ships. Norway recently selected the UK to supply them with Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare in the deal worth £10 billion.   

This Government is set to significantly increase defence spending to 2.6% from April 2027, with an ambition of 3% in the next parliament. This is a generational increase in defence and security spending, underlining the UK’s commitment to national security and honouring the UK’s commitment to be a leader in NATO.   

The UK has also long been a leader in the Joint Expeditionary Force with 10 like-minded nations committed to security in the High North. The JEF recently conducted its largest military activity to date – Tarassis – which saw thousands of troops, including over 1,700 British personnel, dozens of ships, vehicles and aircraft deployed from the Baltics to Iceland.  

 Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said:  

Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure. As climate change opens the Arctic, the region will become an ever more critical frontier for NATO.   

The UK has a long and committed bond with our Allies in the Arctic Circle.  Our world class Royal Marine Commandos have been training alongside Nordic partners for over half a century. This government is reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region.  

We see it as our responsibility and our duty to tackle these challenges head on, making us all safer in the process. Arctic security is a critical transatlantic partnership issue for the security of Britain and NATO. Coming together as an alliance allows us to unify and tackle this emerging threat.

Russia’s actions pose the greatest threat to Arctic security, through efforts to militarise the region, continued threat to undersea infrastructure and using its reckless and illegal Shadow Fleet which pose a systemic threat to maritime security globally.

As warming seas unlock the Northern Sea Route, other state actors are seeking to grow their sphere of influence further afield. Climate change developments are shaping the High North, creating new shipping routes and exposing resources, turning the region into a hotspot for geopolitical competition and a critical flank for European and UK security.  

The visit comes as the Government has boosted its defences with Nordic partners.   

Last month, the UK and Norway signed a defence agreement that will see British and Norwegian navies operating side-by-side in the North Atlantic to protect critical infrastructure from Russian submarines.  

And last week, the UK provided support to the United States to interdict the vessel Bella 1, accused of Shadow Fleet activities. UK armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to U.S. military assets interdicting the Bella 1 between the UK and Iceland.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

First, I would like to start by reaffirming this Council’s strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as to the Presidential Leadership Council and the Government of Yemen, as outlined in our statement of 23 December.

Disunity in Southern Yemen is in no one’s interests and only undermines efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people.

Given recent events, our priority must now be stabilisation. After eleven years of conflict and insecurity, we must renew efforts towards dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement to give the Yemeni people the future they deserve.

In this regard, we welcome the Southern Dialogue Conference announced by the Yemen Government and hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Second, we reiterate this Council’s call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. The UK strongly condemns the recent death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and continued detention of aid workers. These actions flagrantly violate fundamental rights and due process.

Finally, we must not lose sight of the fact that Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world. The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan projects 21 million people will be in need of assistance, an increase of 1.5 million since last year.

Levels of food insecurity remain worryingly high, with pockets of famine in parts of the country and growing rates of malnutrition amongst children.

With less funding available, the UN is rightly focussed on a global humanitarian reset to pursue greater localisation and prioritisation of humanitarian responses. If we act now, together with the UN, INGOs and Yemeni NGOs, we can reach the most vulnerable and limit already severe levels of suffering.

President, we have heard from Special Envoy Grundberg that, despite the many challenges, there remains hope for Yemen. The UK is steadfast in its support to the role of the Special Envoy and an intra-Yemeni peace process under UN auspices, to help build that more hopeful future.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 January 2026.

Mr Paul Eastwood has been appointed British High Commissioner to The Independent State of Papua New Guinea in succession to Ms Anne Macro. Mr Eastwood will take up his appointment during February 2026.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Paul David Eastwood

Year	Role
2024 to 2025	Ofgem, Deputy Director and Head of Energy System Planning
2022 to 2024	FCDO, Lead Energy Adviser
2021 to 2022	ScottishPower Renewables, Senior Environment Manager
2020 to 2021	FCDO, Head of Climate and Environment Profession
2016 to 2020	Jakarta, DFID, Lead Adviser for Sustainable Commodities and Trade
2015 to 2016	Dhaka, DFID, Head of Climate, Humanitarian, and Disaster Resilience
2012 to 2015	DFID, Head of Environment and Forestry
2009 to 2012	Wellington, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Principal Climate Advisor
2007 to 2009	Suva, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Regional Oceans Coordinator
2003 to 2007	UK Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Senior Marine Scientist
1998 to 2002	Masters and Doctoral Research
1995 to 1997	Kiribati, Marine Resource Development Adviser, Voluntary Service Overseas

STORY

The UK and Poland have agreed to deepen cooperation on air and missile defence, with plans to explore new capabilities to counter airborne threats and encourage fresh manufacturing capacity in Europe, the Ministry of Defence has announced.

The agreement includes expanded joint training in virtual environments aimed at improving coordination between the two countries’ air defences without the cost and risks associated with live exercises. The training will be delivered through a UK-led NATO initiative known as DIAMOND, designed to strengthen integrated air and missile operational defences across the alliance.

Alongside the missile defence element, both countries have also signed up to enhanced helicopter training cooperation. From this summer, eight Polish military helicopter pilots are set to begin training in the UK under the NATO Flight Training Europe programme, joined by two experienced Polish instructors who will be stationed at RAF Shawbury for a rotational tour.

The announcement was made as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted Polish President Karol Nawrocki in Downing Street, with Defence Secretary John Healey describing Poland as a crucial ally on NATO’s eastern flank at a time of rising security threats.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 13 January 2026.

Jo Lomas has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia in succession to Ross Allen, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Lomas will take up her appointment during July 2026.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Jo Lomas

Year	Role
2025 to present	FCDO, Deputy Director, Europe Directorate
2021 to 2025	FCDO, UK Commonwealth Envoy
2018 to 2021	Kigali, British High Commissioner
2015 to 2017	Windhoek, British High Commissioner
2011 to 2015	Sarajevo, Deputy Head of Mission
2010 to 2011	Maternity leave and Bosnian language training
2008 to 2009	FCO, Team leader and then Head FCO Global Response Centre
2006 to 2008	FCO, Team leader, Internal Communications
2001 to 2006	Geneva, Second Secretary (WTO)
1998 to 2000	Damascus, Third Secretary (Political/Press)
1997	Baghdad, Press Officer and Special Assistant to Head UNSCOM
1995 to 1997	London/Cairo, Arabic language training
1993 to 1995	FCO, Desk Officer, UN Humanitarian Dept
1993	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

At the end of last week, Russia launched yet another brutal assault upon Ukraine.

Ukraine has confirmed that on the night of 8 January, Russia launched 242 drones and 36 missiles, including an Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, against targets across Ukraine, particularly critical energy infrastructure.

The attack caused the death and injury of dozens of civilians, the deprivation of millions of power and heating at a time when temperatures reached as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, and additional pressure on vital services including healthcare and water supplies. 

Russia’s use of another Oreshnik IRBM should be universally condemned. This hypersonic missile capable of travelling at over Mach 10, is reported to have hit a site in the region of Lviv, just 50 miles from the Polish border. Such action is reckless – it threatens regional and international security, and carries significant risk of escalation and miscalculation.

 Russia has attempted to justify this escalation by claiming an attack on one of President Putin’s residences.

But this claim is false; there was no such attack. This is just another case of Russia’s use of disinformation to justify egregious and escalatory activity in Ukraine.

Russia’s latest assault came in the same week that President Zelenskyy and the US were in Paris with European and international leaders to discuss peace.

President Putin claims to want peace, and yet his actions tell a different story.

The rest of the world wants peace in Ukraine – a peace in line with the UN Charter – and we welcome the significant progress which has been made. Together with our international partners, the UK will continue to work hard towards that goal.

Russia’s attacks are clearly intended to erode the morale of the Ukrainian people. But their resilience and determination over the past four years remains undimmed. Energy services are being restored, damaged homes being rebuilt. Ukraine will survive this latest attack, as it has survived so many before.

And if President Putin think this violence will deter Ukraine’s partners, he is wrong about that too. We will continue to ensure that Ukraine gets the military and financial support it needs to defend itself. And we will increase pressure on Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful negotiations. 

For the sake of international security and the integrity of the UN Charter, Ukraine must emerge from this war as a sovereign, secure, and independent country.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

UK Statement at the World Trade Organization’s General Council. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and the UN, Kumar Iyer.

Item 2

On the question of deliverables for UK the following items must be on table at MC 14: clear political direction on reform and a clear path to outcome at MC15; delivering the plurilateral agreements on E-Commerce and the Investment Facilitation for Development; maintaining the E-Commerce moratorium and a recommitment to achieving a well functioning Dispute Settlement system accessible to all Members. The UK also welcomes efforts underway across the CTD and elsewhere to find a set workable development outcomes. These are the UK priorities but we recognise everyone will want to see value in MC14 and have something that reflects their most critical priorities. The UK stands ready to work with all Members in this regard. To that extent, progress will only really be possible if Members engage in good faith, and don’t block out comms across files, especially on items that cause them no material harm. As other Members have said, the overwhelming priority for the UK is the reform agenda. To that extent, the UK thanks and strongly supports the work and report of Reform Facilitator, and the aim to develop a work plan between MC14 and MC15 as a basis for Ministerial Decision at MC14. We also support the idea of including clear checkpoints between MC14 and MC15. As you know the UK has not been a strong proponent of an outcome document, but if we are going to proceed, we would welcome it being very short, with early clear deadlines, and far in advance of MC14 to determine if we have consensus around it.

Item 8

We note that consensus has not been reached and is unlikely to be reached on this topic. On the current version of the proposal the UK views this is an important issue that we remain committed and open to working with Members to finding a solution between now and then MC14. We note the idea contained in the report the Chairperson of the LDC sub committee to explore a process oriented outcome and LDC graduation that is establishing in focus session on obviously graduation with a view to examine particular challenges of graduating and graduated LDCs.

Item 9

We welcome the constructive approach that had been taken by the G90 grouping and the focus on moving technical discussions to technical committees. We note that consensus has not been reached, and we would appreciate further discussions in the New Year with a view to finding a solution before MC14. We support technical aspects of the implementation and operation of the SPS and TBT Agreements being considered in technical committees. We would also encourage the G90 to engage with activity that is underway in the SPS and TBT to progress related matters, following the report and recommendations for the 6th review from the SPS agreement under the 10th triennial review of SDT agreement.

Item 10

Thank you Chair, the UK believes this is a crucial means of direct investment and we align ourselves with this statement of the co-conveners. There is currently a 4 trillion investment gap, funding gap, to achieve the SDGs. Governments are not going to be able to fill this gap, and it is important that we enable the private sector to do so.

The IFDA is a crucial means of doing so and OECD analysis suggests that the investment it will generate will increase global GDP by up to 1% – with that amount being skewed heavily towards developing countries. This is not abstract, this is real jobs, this is real money. This is money that is life changing and lifesaving. When we hold back this agreement, we should reflect on the real-world impacts that this will have on people.

We believe the agreement is ripe for ministerial action, and we welcome Egypt as the 128th member of the IFDA. This does not mean that we all need to agree now, we recognise that some Members continue to have concerns, and we have noted the new communication from India setting out their longstanding concerns which will be covered under the agenda item 19.

Between now and MC14 we stand ready to continue our dialogue with all countries. We recently had a very constructive dialogue with Türkiye in Ankara where we heard their concerns loud and clear, and we will continue to follow up bilaterally. However, we are clear that this is now a political decision for our ministers at MC14. In practice for the UK this means ensuring IFDA is on the MC14 agenda, a ministerial facilitator is appointed with a separate, and a dedicated IFDA event at the conference in the programme. Thank you.

Item 11

Thank you Chair. The UK welcomes the Philippines joining the ECA as its 72nd participant. We think this clearly demonstrates the continued strong interest in this agreement and we look forward to further Members joining in due course.

We believe the ECA, together with the IFDA, is a clear demonstration of the positive use of flexibilities of the WTO’s negotiating function. It is an agreement fully in line with WTO rules and procedures with strong support from a significant number of Members, representing all corners of the world, and all levels of development.

The economic significance of this agreement cannot be underestimated. A number of colleagues have referenced the OECD WTO research, so I won’t repeat that, but I will highlight two things. One, as others have said, the benefits are skewed to favour low and lower-middle income countries – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The second is that the agreement has no known material negative impacts on non-participants. Indeed, it is estimated to benefit those participants.

In summary, to contribute to real-world growth, and to show this organisation is still relevant to the world that we live in, the UK remains fully committed to seeking Annex 4 incorporation. We call on all Members to support the bringing of this agreement into effect as soon as possible for the benefit of all.

Item 14 

This intervention will serve for both the LDC and the African group (item 14 and item 24) agenda items. The UK would like to thank both groups for their submissions.

We appreciate the emphasis on advancing agriculture reform however with clear divergences remaining it is important to focus on outcomes that are balanced and achievable.

In advance of MC12 the UK led work to develop a Food Security statement which was supported by around 60 WTO members and recognised the critical global challenges on food security. This became a big part of the MC12 Food Security Declaration, an important milestone which has helped to refocus work in the agriculture negotiations.

Global Food insecurity has worsened since MC12 and we have to do more in the WTO to address this.

To this end, the UK has been championing work on export restrictions and prohibitions. It is clear these measures can, and have, exacerbated global food crises and make trade less reliable. Enhancing disciplines on these measures would be a meaningful contribution this organisation can make towards this issue.

We welcome the focus on food security of several proposals submitted by the African Group, the LDC as well as Jamaica. We are committed to working towards a consensus seeking text.

Item 15

The UK welcomes these proposals and looks forward to engaging. The UK is also open to the General Council playing a guiding role and facilitating a structured discussion in this area which recognises the shifting landscape and the diverse priorities amongst Members.

Item 18

We very much recognise the importance of this issue particularly to developing and least developing countries. The UK has actively participated in the discussion on remittances in the CTFA since MC13 and we thank Morocco for their proposal. At present we are not yet fully clear on whether the aim of the proposal is to agree the substantive ideas that it contains which has been mentioned before are topics that are already considered in other multilateral fora or whether the aim is to get ministerial support for further discussions as has been mentioned in discussions, we have been part of. We would need to have further clarity on this first before we are able to consider if this should be taken to Ministers. At this stage, we cannot support taking proposals to Ministers, but we look forward to continuing discussions to get further clarity.

Item 19

The UK aligns with the statement made by the co-coordinators. We have read India’s paper. We note these are concerns that have been raised before. We note that the UK has responded to them both verbally and in writing before. We would note that the coordinators have done so as well. But there’s a phrase in Tamil which my Mum always tells me which is “you should never let anyone say, ‘if only you had said’”. As my good friend the Indian PR will know. So, I will repeat if that’s okay. First concerning the Doha ministerial mandate, the IFDA was launched plurilaterally, not multilaterally, thereby overriding any previous decision. Secondly, the scope of the IFDA is different. As we’ve made clear before, the IFDA does not cover market access, investment protection, and investor state dispute settlement. On India’s second and third arguments relating to the core foundational principles of the WTO and the requirements of article 10.9 of Marrakesh Agreement, we would note WTO’s Members’ right to request the incorporation of plural agreement into the WTO rule book is recognised in article 10.9 of WTO agreement. Fourth, regarding the relationship between trade and investment and whether IFDA constitutes a trade agreement, we would note investment plays a key role in trade flows. There are large amounts of trade in services are cross border flows and investment and count as investment through mode 3. The WTO therefore already substantially covers investments through GATS and we already have the TRIMS agreement which sets a clear precedent. Fifth, on the marginalisation of mandated issues and the diversion of limited WTO resources, we would note we have a clear ministerial mandate on the IFD from MC11. It is a priority for developing Members who have led negotiations themselves to tackle the issues of economic development that they face in their own countries. The IFDA has the support of 128 out of 166 Members more than three-quarters of the membership almost 90 of those are developing countries. Chair this is something that the organisation has to agree to it is if we can’t agree to this. I really don’t know what we are able to agree to.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 12 January 2026.

UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source.

• UK Latin America Minister visits Ecuador to deepen security ties and work to disrupt cocaine trade at source
• Joint action aims to protect communities in both countries
• Minister also to spotlight UK innovation and investment with Welsh-owned Hydro Industries and climate leadership in the Galapagos

The UK and Ecuador are working side by side to stop cocaine flooding the streets of Europe, Minister for Latin America Chris Elmore confirmed today as he begins his first visit to the country.

The majority of the UK’s cocaine transits through ports in Ecuador, and Minister Elmore is in the country to see first-hand the joint work to stop the illegal trade at source – meeting frontline police officers, who have received training and equipment from the UK; and observing canine training for drug interception.

Ecuador saw its deadliest year on record in 2025 due to organised crime, and the UK and Ecuador’s joint work aims to tackle the damaging drug trade to help keep both countries’ streets safe.

As a “platform country” for cocaine produced elsewhere in Latin America, up to 80% of the drugs arriving in Europe come via Ecuador. This threatens both countries’ security, with Ecuadorian communities affected by associated gang violence.

Ecuador is one of the UK’s closest partners in Latin America, and the visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to protect communities by stopping drugs at source.

Joint action is essential to dismantle criminal networks and prevent illicit flows, and drugs seizures are already increasing thanks in part to the joint work the UK and Ecuador are undertaking.

Latin America Minister Chris Elmore said:

Every year, hundreds of thousands of kilos of cocaine are smuggled from South America into Europe. In the UK alone, more than 28 tonnes of cocaine were seized by the police and Border Force in 2023/24.

It’s a vast criminal industry, but amazingly, the majority of cocaine that ends up on the streets of Europe comes through Ecuadorean ports.

That criminal industry does huge damage to communities in the UK, but it’s also causing devastation here in Ecuador, with 10,000 gang-related deaths recorded last year. That’s why it’s in the interests of both the UK and Ecuador to tackle this trade together, and put the criminal gangs behind it out of business.

There is huge potential in our relationship with Ecuador – it’s a vital partner for Britain on security and climate change, and the trade and investment opportunities here for British businesses are rising fast – but for Ecuador to succeed, we need the drug gangs to fail, and that’s why our cooperation on organised crime is so important.

During the visit, Minister Elmore will meet with senior Ecuadorean leaders, including Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld and other authorities to deepen cooperation on security and crime prevention, as well as visiting the specialist Police Canine Unit in Quito, where UK support is helping Ecuador intercept narcotics and disrupt trafficking networks.

Beyond security, the visit will also celebrate UK–Ecuador collaboration across sustainable growth and climate resilience. Minister Elmore will visit Welsh company Hydro Industries’ new water treatment plant in Quito – whose business is expected to reach £100m in the next few years– an example of UK innovation and investment in Ecuador’s future.

The Minister will also engage with environmental initiatives in the Galapagos Islands, including the Global Plastics Action Partnership (GPAP).

The visit comes amidst US action in nearby Venezuela, where the UK supports a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government. Ecuador is one of the UK’s closest partners in Latin America, and this visit underscores its ongoing commitment to our allies, and to peace and democracy in the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 January 2026.

The UK Government has published the Guiding Principles on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, reaffirming its commitment to promoting and protecting those who work to uphold fundamental rights worldwide.

This document sets out how the UK seeks to support individuals and organisations at risk for their work in defence of human rights. The principles include: 

• Diplomatic action to raise visibility and provide protection. 
• Practical support, such as guidance and resources to reduce risks. 
• International collaboration with governments, civil society and multilateral bodies. 
• Promotion of safe environments, where defenders can work free from threats or reprisals. 

Human rights defenders play a vital role in building fair and democratic societies. Yet many face intimidation, violence and criminalisation. Through these principles, the UK aims to strengthen protection and ensure their work can continue safely. 

To read the full principles and access additional resources, visit the official link.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 January 2026.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

It has been a year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

This new Syrian government has provided hope that Assad-era chemical weapons will be verifiably identified and eliminated, once and for all.

The United Kingdom applauds the continued commitment of Syria’s leadership to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to meet its obligations under Resolution 2118 and we commend the continued professionalism and dedication of the OPCW technical secretariat staff who carry out their work in Syria under difficult conditions. 

In 2025, Syria and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons made important progress under challenging circumstances.

First, multiple OPCW deployments to Syria have increased our understanding of the scale and scope of Assad’s chemical weapons programme. Evidence found of an undeclared chemical weapons programme was a stark reminder of the threat in Syria and to the wider region.

Second, a Syrian-led decision on expedited destruction was adopted by the OPCW Executive Council in October allowing Syria and the OPCW to deal with dangerous elements of Assad’s programme upon discovery. 

And third, a Syrian-led decision adopted at the Conference of the States Parties in November was an important step towards restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW.

The United Kingdom welcomes the establishment of a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and the appointment of a new Syrian Permanent Representative to the OPCW in the Hague. We pay tribute to Qatar for representing Syria since January 2025.

These milestones provide a foundation for Syria and the OPCW secretariat to accelerate their work in 2026; however, there remain challenges to overcome.

Significant and sustainable financial and in-kind support from the international community is needed to deliver the elimination of Assad’s remnant chemical weapons programme.

The United Kingdom is proud to support Syria in this respect, having contributed over $3.8million since December 2024 to OPCW Syria missions. We will continue to provide technical expertise to both Syria and the OPCW. 

We urge Council members and the wider international community to assist in this endeavour.

President, this Council has spent more than a decade discussing this file.

With clear commitment from Syria’s leadership to eradicate chemical weapons and to seek accountability for their use, we hope to see continued progress in 2026 to deliver these important outcomes for the Syrian people.