Tag: Foreign Office

PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meetings with China’s Foreign Minister and Vice President [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 August 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has held bilateral meetings with senior Chinese government figures during his visit to Beijing.

He met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng for the second time, and Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Wang Yi, for the third time.

The Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s approach to China, in line with his Mansion House speech and the Integrated Review Refresh – outlining the protect, align and engage pillars of the UK’s China strategy.

The Foreign Secretary was clear about the UK’s position on China’s malign cyber activity. In detailed discussions on Hong Kong, he stressed the damage caused by the Beijing-imposed National Security Law to rights and freedoms and consequently to China’s international reputation and raised the case of Jimmy Lai.

He also emphasised the importance to the international community of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. And he called for the immediate lifting of sanctions against Parliamentary colleagues. The Foreign Secretary made clear the UK’s strength of feeling about the mass incarceration of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang.

The Foreign Secretary agreed with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the importance of direct cooperation between the UK and China on the biggest global challenges, such as climate change.

He made clear the UK position on key geopolitical issues including the conflict in Ukraine, the situation in North Korea and nuclear non-proliferation.

They agreed on the potential of AI to unlock huge opportunities but stressed the need for global coordination to mitigate risks and put protections in place.

The Foreign Secretary stressed the need for open dialogue, as well as the need for constructive engagement, when this is consistent with UK interests.

31/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary’s meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2023.

The Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, met Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo during a visit to Philippines on 29 August.

The Foreign Secretary met Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila today (29 August) to sign a Statement of Intent on the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership. The Enhanced Partnership will drive co-operation on maritime security, renewable energy and trade.

The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK’s commitment to ASEAN stability and prosperity, and thanked Foreign Minister Manalo for the Philippines’s support for the UK’s Dialogue Partnership. The Foreign Secretary expressed the UK’s strong support for ASEAN’s effort on Myanmar.

The foreign ministers also discussed key regional issues of mutual concern, including regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. On maritime security, the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Secretary agreed with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo that any negotiated settlement should deliver a just and sustainable peace, based on the principles of the UN Charter.

29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Beijing to further British interests [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 August 2023.

The Foreign Secretary is visiting China on Wednesday 30 August for high-level talks with senior representatives from the Chinese government.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is visiting Beijing tomorrow.
- He will look to further UK national interests including cyber, international security and human rights
- As well as cooperating to face global problems such as climate change.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is travelling to Beijing to strengthen channels of communication to further and protect British interests as set out in his Mansion House speech.

In the speech in April, the Foreign Secretary set out the UK’s multifaceted approach to China across three pillars. First, to protect national security whenever Beijing poses a threat to UK people or prosperity, second, to align cooperation with friends and allies in the Indo-Pacific and across the world to uphold international law, and third, to engage directly with China to promote stable relations.

Now, in the first visit of a UK Foreign Secretary for over five years, James Cleverly will hold bilateral meetings with China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, and Vice President Han Zheng.

Issues such as climate change cannot be tackled without China – as the world’s largest investor in sustainable energy and the largest emitter of carbon, the choices that China makes are critical to our collective ability to tackle this global problem.

The Foreign Secretary will say that China’s global significance comes with a responsibility on international security – helping to end Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, diffusing tensions in the South China Sea and ceasing malign activity in cyberspace.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary will raise Beijing’s human rights obligations, including in relation to communities in Xinjiang and Tibet. He will also challenge China on the erosion of autonomy, rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, as well as other UK interests including the sanctions placed on UK MPs.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“It is important we manage our relationship with China across a range of issues.

“No significant global problem – from climate change to pandemic prevention, from economic instability to nuclear proliferation – can be solved without China.

“China’s size, history and global significance means they cannot be ignored, but that comes with a responsibility on the global stage. That responsibility means China fulfilling its international commitments and obligations”.

It is important to have discussions face to face and raise these issues directly with the centre of the Chinese system, making clear the UK’s position with the decision makers in Beijing. This approach is in line with that of international partners, such as the recent visits of Five Eyes and European partners.

The engagements come after a visit to the Philippines, where the Foreign Secretary held talks on a range of subjects including maritime security, climate and trade.
29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary visits Philippines to strengthen Enhanced Partnership [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit the Philippines and meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo.
- Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will visit the Philippines to discuss the new UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership
- Cleverly will meet Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and visit the Philippines Coast Guard
- visit continues engagement with Indo-Pacific partners following commitment in Integrated Review Refresh to build enduring partnerships
The UK is set to deepen its relationship with the Philippines, as the Foreign Secretary travels to Manila for trade and security talks in the region.

In Manila, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly will meet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss how to further strengthen the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership. The partnership was launched in December 2021 to increase UK-Philippines collaboration on key areas including climate and environment, trade, maritime security and foreign policy.

Since then, the UK has launched British Investment Partnerships (BIP) to support resilient growth and held an inaugural maritime dialogue on marine conservation and maritime security.

The Foreign Secretary will also visit the Philippines Coast Guard to discuss cooperation on maritime security, counter terrorism and environmental protection.

He will also reiterate the necessity of upholding the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the interests of global stability and the protection of maritime trade routes.

Around 60% of global shipping passes through the Indo-Pacific region, directly benefiting households and businesses in the UK and worldwide.

As set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the Indo-Pacific is of critical importance to the UK’s future security and to the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the UK’s economy. With over half of global growth set to come from the Indo-Pacific by 2050, the region is home to thriving economies, cutting-edge science and tech as well as being on the frontline of global challenges like climate change. The UK is working with the Philippines and other likeminded partners to safeguard security and prosperity across the region.

Ahead of the visit Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

“I’m delighted to visit the Philippines for the first time, a place which shares common values and interests with the UK.

“We are expanding our areas of collaboration by growing our trade and investment through British Investment Partnerships and deepening cooperation on security, maritime and climate.”

The UK-Philippines partnership is working for both countries, rooted in our shared commitment to safeguarding freedom and democracy, and ensuring our future prosperity. The visit will be the Foreign Secretary’s third time travelling to southeast Asia in his role, following travel to Singapore in 2022 and Indonesia in July 2023 for the ASEAN Foreign Minister’s meeting.

It also follows his Indo-Pacific tour to Japan and the Pacific Islands earlier in the year, where the Foreign Secretary reiterated the importance of securing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Background
- the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership was launched in 2021. Read more about the work taking place under the Partnership including dialogues on trade and investment, climate change and the launch of British Investment Partnerships in the Philippines.
- during the Foreign Secretary’s visit he will sign a Statement of Intent to upgrade the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership alongside Foreign Secretary Manalo.
29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State visits 2025 Open Championship host [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 28 August 2023.

Secretary of State hears plans for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2025

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has today (Monday 28 August) visited Royal Portrush to welcome the return of the world-renowned The Open Championship, in 2025. The Secretary of State heard the club’s exciting plans for 2025 and also enjoyed teeing off on the famous course, following in the footsteps of golfing greats such as 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry.

2025 will be the third time that Royal Portrush has hosted the major competition, following the most recent success four years ago. The Secretary of State’s visit to the North Coast highlighted the crucial role of tourism and sport and their contribution to NI’s economy. He also praised the efforts of local stakeholders who were instrumental in ensuring the Open will return to Portrush.

The 148th Open, which took place just a few years ago, was one of the fastest – selling events in the Championship’s history. With 237,000 spectators attending in Portrush, it broke records as the best-attended Open outside of St Andrew’s. The Open also generated £106 million of economic benefit for Northern Ireland.

Speaking during his visit to Royal Portrush, the Secretary of State said:

“There has been an incredible effort by the local community and various bodies to bring The Open back to Portrush in 2025, and I am confident that it will further consolidate Northern Ireland as a competitive golf tourism destination while boosting the economy.

“Royal Portrush is an iconic venue that attracts local players and golf’s elite, and events like the Open put a global spotlight on Northern Ireland.

“With exciting events such as The Open, the future is bright for Northern Ireland tourism.”

General Manager of Royal Portrush John Lawler also shared his excitement for the 2025 Open Championship:

“We are proud to host the Open Championship again in 2025. The Open is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and to see it return to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush so soon, is a recognition of the wonderful work done by all involved in 2019.

“The event provided a festival atmosphere in 2019 and drew spectators from golfing and non-golfing backgrounds.

“We are excited that the eyes of the world will once again be on Royal Portrush, the Causeway Coast & Glens Area and Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best golfers back to challenge themselves on the Dunluce Course.”

The latest figures also show the surging popularity of golf within Northern Ireland. In 2022, there were 762,575 bookings made by visitors at the 75 golf clubs in Northern Ireland. This is compared to 587,199 bookings made in 2019 – a 30% increase.

29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : MINUSMA’s withdrawal takes place amid a deteriorating context of terrorist violence and human rights violations – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 August 2023.

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

Thank you, President. I thank SRSG Wane for his briefing and I pay tribute to the courage of all UN personnel in Mali, who continue to face constant threats. I also thank Ms Abouya for sharing her valuable perspective with us today.

The complexity of MINUSMA’s withdrawal is unprecedented and takes place amid a deteriorating context of terrorist violence and human rights violations and abuses, including an upward trend in conflict-related sexual violence.

The Council mandated MINUSMA to conduct a safe and orderly withdrawal, with the objective of completing this process by 31 December 2023. We continue to believe that the Council should stand ready to revise this timetable if needed. A rushed withdrawal that imperils the 2015 Algiers Agreement and puts peacekeepers’ lives at risk will have security implications for the whole region. The recent ceasefire violations in Ber demonstrate the pressing need for meaningful, structured dialogue between all parties to the Peace Agreement prior to the handover of MINUSMA sites, in particular in Kidal region.

President, the UN continues to have a formal and critical role in supporting the Peace Agreement in Mali. We welcome the Secretary-General’s transition plan, which is an important step to help guide efforts to preserve the legacy of the mission and its achievements over the last decade.

We call on the UN to redouble its efforts to support meaningful consultations and mediation between all parties to the Peace Agreement, and we urge all parties to engage in dialogue in good faith. To deliver the UN’s ongoing role in support of the peace process, the UK supports the continued presence of a UN entity dedicated to supporting an inclusive peace process in Mali.

President, we strongly urge the Transitional Authorities to engage with the UN’s proposals for ongoing support, for the benefit of the Malian people. The UN should accelerate consultations with Mali on a detailed strategy for the future of UN support to the Peace Agreement and other key tasks, including delivering on the political transition and the protection and the promotion of human rights.

Finally, as we’ve said before in this Council, the Russian mercenary group Wagner is directly linked to human rights atrocities in Mali, including the systematic use of conflict-related sexual violence. As illustrated by recent events in Russia, they are part of the problem, not the solution in Mali and beyond.

29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : New British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, makes trade push on first visit to Karachi [August 2023]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 August 2023.

Newly appointed British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, will visit Karachi ahead of the expected arrival of the Royal Navy’s HMS Lancaster.

During her visit, she will be meeting with business, political and community leaders, with a focus on boosting UK-Pakistan trade links. Bilateral trade is currently worth over £4 billion, nearly doubling in 3 years.

The British High Commissioner will also visit HMS Lancaster, which is in Karachi on a routine bilateral Royal Navy-Pakistan Navy training exercise. These exercises are part of a range of ‘Defence Diplomacy’ activities, part of the UK’s commitment to maintaining its well-established defence relationship with Pakistan.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

Karachi is one of the best places in Pakistan to discuss business, the country’s beating heart and home to some of the country’s most pioneering industries. I am looking forward to hearing from UK and Pakistani businesses on how we can support each other’s ambitious trade goals.

In a demonstration of the breadth of the UK-Pakistan relationship, I am also looking forward to welcoming HMS Lancaster for a bilateral exercise.

Earlier this year, Pakistan welcomed the British Army’s Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE, to strengthen senior relationships. Every year British Army Officers attend Quetta Staff College, whilst Pakistani Officers attend the UK’s military academies to improve mutual understanding.

Notes to editors
- HMS Lancaster is in Karachi for Ex WHITESTAR, a routine bilateral Royal Navy-Pakistan Navy exercise involving HMS Lancaster, PNS Taimur and PNS Yarmook.
  This is the fourth iteration of the exercise, an important calendar event in maintaining our well-established defence relationship.
- HMS Lancaster’s visit comes one year on from Pakistan’s floods. The UK’s Ministry of Defence was at the forefront of responding to last year’s floods, airlifting in eight boats and ten portable generators at the request of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff to support the relief effort.
29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The DPRK’s failed launch of a military reconnaissance satellite on 24 August is yet another grave violation of UN Security Council resolutions – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

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

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

I thank Assistant Secretary-General Khiari for his briefing. I welcome the participation of the representatives of the Republic of Korea, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, at this meeting.

The DPRK made yet another failed launch of a military reconnaissance satellite. It triggered Japan’s local alert system in Okinawa.

This was yet another grave violation of UN Security Council resolutions, and a brazen effort to further expand the DPRK’s military programme. The DPRK have said they will try again.

Claims that so-called ‘provocations’, or rather, legitimate and transparently-declared military exercises, caused these launches, are baseless. The DPRK is not reacting: this is part of a long-established, clearly-defined plan that has required extensive scientific and technological investment.

Kim Jong Un said it himself in January this year: the National Aerospace Development Administration will launch the first military satellite at the earliest date possible by pushing ahead with the full preparation for a reconnaissance satellite and its vehicle, a major task to boost the political, ideological, military and technical strength of his army.

Colleagues, the Council must take action.

All of us here have signed, ratified and support the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

All of us should be committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. We have a responsibility to uphold these obligations.

Our words and deeds matter. They are the message we convey to the world about our commitment to preventing nuclear non-proliferation globally. We noted the presence of permanent members, including the defence minister, at a DPRK weapons exhibition, with intercontinental ballistic missiles on display. Interactions such as these signal support for UN-sanctioned WMD programmes.

The United Kingdom urges the DPRK to cease these launches, to return to dialogue and to take credible steps towards denuclearisation and peace on the Korean Peninsula. We hope their presence at this meeting is a step forward in this regard.

The biggest victims of the DPRK’s military programme are the North Korean people, as resources are diverted away from their basic economic needs. DPRK should reopen its borders and engage the UN.

I also remind all UN Member States of their obligation to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions, including sanctions on the DPRK.

I call on all members of this Council to reiterate their condemnation of the DPRK’s illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, in line with their responsibilities as UN Member States and signatories to the NPT.

29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : The UN and international coordination is key to countering terrorism – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

Thank you, President.

I thank Under Secretary General Voronkov and Executive Director Gherman for their briefings and for the work of the monitoring team in producing the report.

I thank Ms Khalaf for her briefing today. Her harrowing account of the atrocities Daesh committed serves as a reminder of the lifelong impact of these crimes, and the poisonous ideology we are fighting. All survivors of gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence, including Yezidis and other communities in Iraq, deserve to see justice delivered.

We support UNITAD and Iraq in pursuing accountability for Daesh perpetrators, and we look forward to renewing UNITAD’s mandate next month to continue this important work.

Daesh continues to suffer blows to their campaign, including the death of leader Abu Husaini al-Qurashi in April. However, the threat is becoming less predictable, harder to detect, and harder to investigate. We must therefore keep up the pressure. A resurgent Daesh core in Syria and Iraq remains a real risk. IDP [Internally Displaced People] camps provide a fertile ground for radicalisation in which Daesh can recruit and operate. In Al-Hawl camp the UK is focusing our efforts on improving the situation through humanitarian assistance, by responding to gender-based violence and providing child protection.

As we heard today, ISKP [Islamic State – Khorasan Province] continues to show it has the capacity to carry out high-profile attacks on civilian and international targets inside Afghanistan and encourage attacks abroad. Earlier this year, the United Kingdom convened the inaugural ISKP Diplomatic Grouping that saw 19 countries come together and agree to intensify and coordinate our response to counter the threat from ISKP.

Last month the UK published a refresh of our Counter Terrorism Strategy – CONTEST – to ensure we remain agile in the face of an evolving threat and aligned with our international allies.

In Africa, Daesh is expanding fast and we urge the international community to step up our efforts.

We must address the root causes that are driving conflict in the region and enabling the expansion of Violent Extremist Organisations.

In the Sahel, the UK provides financial support to the UN’s regional stabilisation facility for the Lake Chad basin, an initiative that will support local communities.

Finally, President, the UN plays a key role in the fight against terrorism and the UK welcomed the adoption of the 8th Global Counter Terrorism Strategy.

International coordination, with a meaningful role for civil society, remains essential for our work.

29/08/2023
PRESS RELEASE : On Ukraine Independence Day, the UK calls on Russia to respect Ukrainian independence, return its children and end this war – UK statement at the Security Council [August 2023]

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

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

President, let me begin by wishing a happy Independence Day to all Ukrainians. In 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the former USSR, with 92% of the country voting in favour in a national referendum.

Ukraine’s existence as a sovereign country was recognised by the United Nations, including the Russian Federation.

If Russia’s illegal invasion last year had succeeded there would be one fewer independent UN State today.

Ukrainians’ heroic resistance in the face of Russian aggression not only protects their freedom, but defends the United Nations Charter, with its basic principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

If Russia wins this war, it would give the green-light to a new era of international aggression where big countries can rewrite borders by force. None of us wants that.

We are deeply indebted to the Ukrainian people for their immense sacrifice. And we are proud to stand with them.

As we mark Ukraine’s independence, we reflect on Russia’s deliberate efforts to target Ukraine’s future – its children.

The United Nations has reported Russia is committing grave violations against children in its war of aggression – the first time a permanent Council member has ever been listed for doing so.

As well as killing children directly, and destroying their homes, their schools, their hospitals; the Ukrainian authorities report that Russia has, to date, forcibly transferred or deported over 19,000 children since 2022. President Putin, and his Children’s Rights Commissioner, are the subject of arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for their alleged role.

For Ukrainian families, these forced transfers and deportations have devastating and life changing consequences that will be felt for generations. Russia uses fear of this tactic to suppress dissent among Ukrainians living under temporary Russian control. It is also a deliberate attempt to erase Ukrainian culture, identity and statehood.

Russia has not attempted to preserve the identities of the children it has forcibly deported, as required by international humanitarian law. Rather, there is growing evidence that Russia has seriously violated this right, forcing children to assimilate with the culture of the state that is seeking to destroy their own country.

President, Russia also has a clear legal obligation under the fourth Geneva Convention to facilitate communication and reunification between children and their relatives or legal guardians.

Russia has failed to provide reliable information about the children it has transferred to its territory, particularly to those children placed with Russian foster families.

As OHCHR reported, children themselves have often been forced to trace and find parents or family members. This is an unacceptable burden to place on children, especially those dealing with the trauma of Russia’s illegal invasion.

Just 386 children have so far been returned. We thank representatives from Save Ukraine for their vital work on these returns.

We call on Russia to respect Ukrainian independence, return its children, withdraw its troops and end this war.

28/08/2023