Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

Statement on the oral update of the Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Delivered by UK’s Ambassador to the WTO & UN in Geneva, Simon Manley.

Thank you very much Mr President.

And thank you, Commissioners, for your update. It’s a sober reminder that the war in Syria is far from over and that the suffering of the Syrian people continues unabated.

Just in recent days we have seen further indiscriminate airstrikes in northwest Syria that have resulted in further civilian deaths. Deaths that add to the toll of over 300,000 civilians killed since 2011. So let me once again implore all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and to seek peace through the process set out so clearly in UNSCR 2254.

Mr President, the protracted conflict continues to limit women and girls’ ability to exercise their rights, as we have heard again today. Sexual and gender-based violence has increased and women have scarce recourse to justice.

Mr President, the widows and the wives of the hundreds of thousands killed, missing or forcibly disappeared by regime forces suffer multiple hardships, often searching fruitlessly for their loved ones, stuck in a legal limbo. So let me, like others, warmly welcome the creation of the new Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria and encourage all States to support this mechanism, and all parties to co-operate with it.

Commissioners,

I would be interested to hear your further thoughts on the state of women’s legal rights in Syria, in particular the legal and customary discrimination that mitigates against justice for acts of gender violence.

 

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

The UK and Polish Foreign and Defence secretaries signed the 2030 Strategic Partnership following talks at Lancaster House.

The UK and Poland will deepen their foreign policy, security and defence cooperation following the signing of a new partnership.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace signed a new bilateral ‘2030 Partnership’ with Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau and Minister for National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak at Lancaster House today.

The partnership sets out joint priorities on issues ranging from Belarus to China, to cooperation on defence capability and operations. It builds on the 2017 UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security Cooperation and 3 decades of close cooperation.

It emphasises the UK and Poland’s commitment to stand together in upholding a resilient international system that protects freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, defending rights for countries and states trade fairly and determine their own futures.

The partnership also will see cooperation towards building the next generation of capabilities for our armed forces; increasing the intensity and frequency of joint training exercises; strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence posture; and standing united in our approaches to the Indo-Pacific.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

Just as the UK and Poland fought together to preserve freedom in Europe during World War 2, so today the UK and Poland are standing together once more, at the forefront of international support for Ukraine.

Our 2030 Partnership commits the UK and Poland to even greater defence, security and foreign policy cooperation into the future.

In a meeting ahead of the signing, the ministers discussed the close cooperation between the UK and Poland, support for Ukraine, and the defence and security of the Euro-Atlantic area. They also discussed NATO priorities ahead of next week’s Vilnius Summit.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

As historic defence partners and NATO Allies, the UK stands with Poland to defend NATO’s Eastern Flank and support Ukraine against Russian aggression.

The 2030 Strategic Partnership strengthens our commitment to develop closer military deployments and exercises and deliver on immediate and long-term capability projects.

The UK and Poland share an historic partnership, stretching back to before the Second World War, which continues to the present day with hundreds of British troops deployed to Poland. Recently, this has included last year’s deployment of Challenger 2 tanks and the ongoing deployment of Sky Sabre air defence systems to Poland.

Both countries have also been working together to help secure the development of air defence weapons for the future.

In April, the Prime Minister announced the UK and Poland had signed a major £1.9 billion export agreement to roll out a British air defence system, made by MBDA, across the European nation. The export win will supports hundreds of jobs across the UK, delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, and deepening ties with our key European ally.

Poland’s President, Andrzej Duda, also visited Downing Street in February to meet the Prime Minister, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and their support for Sweden’s accession to NATO.

The Defence Secretary and his Polish counterpart also signed the Air Defence Complex Weapons Agreement in October. This enables the UK and Poland to cooperate in the development and manufacture of current and future complex weapons and deepen the interoperability of our armed forces.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says that we must not become numb to the true barbarity that Russia has inflicted on the people of Ukraine.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

Ms Ailsa Terry has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Mr Charles Hay MVO.

Ms Ailsa Terry has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Mr Charles Hay MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Terry will take up her appointment during August 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Ailsa Terry

Spouse: Adam Terry

Children: 2

Year	Role
2022 to Present	FCDO, Director, Sanctions
2021 to 2022	FCDO, Director, G7 Presidency
2018 to 2021	Cabinet Office, Director/Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat
2014 to 2018	Brussels, United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union, Counsellor to the Permanent Representative
2012 to 2014	FCO, China Department, Team Leader, Asia Pacific Directorate
2011 to 2012	FCO, Head of Operations, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
2011	Kabul, European Union Delegation, Political Adviser to the EU Special Representative to Afghanistan
2009 to 2011	Islamabad, Second Secretary (Political)
2008 to 2009	FCO, Head of Middle East and Africa Casework Team, Consular Directorate
2007 to 2008	FCO, Desk Officer, Economic and Financial Affairs, Europe Directorate
2006 to 2007	Department for Communities, Private Secretary to the Secretary of State

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

The International Coordination and Response Group have filed an application with the International Court of Justice instituting proceedings against Iran.

The International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752, made up of the UK, Sweden, Canada and Ukraine, today issued the following joint statement:

We, ministers representing Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, have taken an important step in our collective effort to ensure Iran is held accountable for the unlawful downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752).

Iran failed to respond to our request for arbitration sent on December 28, 2022. As a result, this week in The Hague we have jointly filed an application with the International Court of Justice instituting proceedings against Iran in relation to their breaches of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation of 1971.

As we have reiterated on multiple occasions, Iran’s actions and omissions in relation to the downing of Flight PS752 by 2 surface-to-air missiles launched by members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force amount to violations of Iran’s international legal obligations, for which Iran must take full responsibility.

More specifically, as stated in our application, Iran has, among other violations, failed to take all practicable measures to prevent the destruction of Flight PS752 by members of its armed forces. Iran has equally failed to advance a full, transparent and impartial criminal investigation and prosecution in accordance with international standards.

Today’s legal action reflects our unwavering commitment to achieving transparency, justice and accountability for the families of the victims.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador Rita French.

Thank you to the Fact-Finding Mission for their valuable update.

Over 500 people were killed during Iran’s brutal crackdown last year, following the killing of Mahsa Amini.

The use of the death penalty has continued unabated this year. Reports of unfair trials and torture in Iranian prisons… media and internet censorship… restrictions on freedoms of speech, expression, religion, and belief. Anything to stifle dissent.

Mr President,

Last November’s Special Session of this Council sent a clear signal that the world was watching and that we would not be a silent witness to the brutal repression of the Iranian people. To the plight of women and girls.

Yet, seven months later they continue to live in fear. Of violence. Of oppression. Still unable to enjoy some of their most basic human rights.

It is time for the government of Iran to listen. It is time for the perpetrators of these violations to be held to account. It is time for justice for the Iranian people. And for the women and girls of Iran, it’s time for freedom.

Members of the FFM can you confirm your report will cover the important issue of the targeting and persecution of journalists, their sources, and families, for their reporting on the protests?

Thank you Mr Vice President.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 July 2023.

UK Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston MP arrived in Dhaka yesterday [4 July] for a visit focused on strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries.

The UK is committed to working with Bangladesh to create a trade and investment relationship that will create jobs and grow both economies. The total trade in goods and services between the UK and Bangladesh reached a record £4.7 billion at the end of 2022.

Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston said

“The UK has a strong and enduring relationship with Bangladesh, and our trade with the country has grown significantly over the past year.

“My first visit here demonstrates the UK’s strong ambition to work with Bangladesh to achieve an enhanced trade and investment relationship. I look forward to working with the Government of Bangladesh on increasing mutual prosperity by addressing barriers to market access and trade.”

Minister Huddleston will meet Salman F Rahman MP, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They will discuss the Aviation Trade and Investment Partnership, signed by the UK and Bangladesh in May 2023, which will strengthen Bangladesh’s aviation sector and create jobs in both countries.

The Minister will also meet Tipu Munshi MP, Honourable Commerce Minister, to discuss the UK’s world-leading Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into force last month, and makes it easier for Bangladesh to trade with the UK.

Bangladeshi exporters now benefit from simpler and more generous Rules of Origin, which means that they are able to produce goods using components from many more countries and still export these with zero tariffs to the UK.

Following the joint communique on Aviation Trade & Investment Partnership, Minister Huddleston will meet Mahbub Ali MP, Honourable State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism. Discussions will focus on the UK’s offer to helping Bangladesh realise its ambition of becoming the next aviation hub in South Asia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 July 2023.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Belarus, as delivered by UK Human Rights Ambassador, Rita French.

Thank you Mr President,

Thank you Special Rapporteur for your report which provides a timely update to the international community on Lukashenko’s ongoing brutal and systematic campaign of repression.

Let me begin by expressing the UK’s solidarity with the Belarusian people who have shown immense courage in the face of relentless repression.

The extent of this repression is staggering. Belarus is holding almost 1,500 of its own citizens as political prisoners. A large part of civil society has been destroyed, journalists and human rights defenders are targeted, and peaceful demonstrations are brutally repressed. We continue to see farcical trials leading to long, politically motivated sentences. Those in detention face torture, and cruel and degrading treatment. We are particularly concerned by the assessment that some human rights violations may amount to crimes against humanity.

The report also notes recent legislative changes which further restrict political rights and extend the death penalty. These amendments further demonstrate the regime’s contempt for basic freedoms and the rule of law.

The UK calls upon Belarus to act upon the recommendations of this report. We also urge Belarus to end its facilitation of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

Special Rapporteur, how best can states support individuals forced into exile and civil society organizations that have had to relocate outside of Belarus?

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 July 2023.

The UK and the Republic of Iraq agreed a joint communiqué during the UK-Iraq Strategic Dialogue, held in London on 3 to 4 July 2023.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Mr Fuad Hussein, for the UK-Iraq Strategic Dialogue in London on 3 to 4 July 2023.

The Strategic Dialogue builds on the signing of the UK-Iraq Strategic Partnership in Baghdad in June 2021 which deepened bilateral co-operation and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the long-term security, stability and sovereignty of Iraq. The Strategic Dialogue also follows the visit of the Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, Lord Ahmad, to Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from 28 February to 2 March 2023.

The Strategic Dialogue underlined the strength and breadth of the bilateral relationship between the UK and Iraq and both governments reaffirmed their commitment to work together for our shared regional and global interests. The ministers agreed to develop and further co-operation on a wide range of sectors, including:

Economic reform

The ministers discussed the importance of building a prosperous future for the Iraqi people and the UK’s commitment to support Iraq, including through the Iraq Economic Contact Group, as it undertakes the bold long-term reforms needed to put Iraq’s economy and society on a stable footing.

Both sides welcomed the Government of Iraq’s ambitious economic reform agenda – and agreed on the necessity of rapidly delivering non-oil growth, private sector job creation and improving access to finance. They agreed on the importance of Iraq swiftly completing its accession to the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development in 2023, and continuing to work closely with the International Monetary Fund on a long term programme to support Iraq, as well as joining other international finance institutions, such as the European Investment Bank.

The UK committed to share expertise through government-to-government exchanges; and provide bilateral support and technical assistance to deliver economic reform in key areas such as building economic capacity, diversifying government revenue sources and improving access to finance, and facilitating Iraq’s accession to the WTO.

Trade

With bilateral trade increasing the 2 sides convened the sixth meeting of the UK-Iraq Trade Council, following the fifth in Baghdad in January 2019. Experts discussed how to encourage greater investment into Iraq and how to remove barriers to trade. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also met leading UK businesses to identify new commercial opportunities.

Both sides agreed their intention to finalise the UK-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement as soon as possible and put it to their respective parliaments this year.

Climate and environment

Ahead of COP28 later this year, the ministers discussed the importance of working together tackling climate and environmental issues and agreed to increase high level engagement over the rest of 2023. Both sides welcomed the UK’s support in further developing and strengthening Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The UK also outlined technical assistance opportunities, including a programme with the UK Met Office to support Iraq’s capacity to prepare for and respond to sand and dust storms.

Defence and security

The ministers agreed on the importance of continuing to remove the space for Daesh to operate in Iraq and welcomed the commitment of both the UK and Iraq to support the Global Coalition Against Daesh. They also welcomed the Government of Iraq’s commitment to protect the Coalition sites and diplomatic premises in Iraq.

The ministers recognised the crucial efforts by both sides on rehabilitation and reintegration of displaced Iraqi citizens including those returning from Al-Hol camp in North-East Syria, and reiterated the importance of international coordination to support pathways to durable solutions for camp residents.

Both sides recognised the UK’s work with the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs on Professional Military Education and agreed that the Iraqi military will continue to participate in officer training within the UK, including places at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, and Royal Air Force College Cranwell, as well as places at the Defence Academy Shrivenham and the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Recognising modern threats posed by cyber, both sides agreed to deepen engagement on cyber security, including through the UK’s support of the newly established Cyber Security Directorate within the Iraqi Ministry of Defence.

Migration and serious organised crime

Ministers discussed the shared challenges that the UK and Iraq face in tackling serious organised crime and the drivers of migration. The ministers reviewed areas for further cooperation to ensure safe and legal migration, including targeted programming to better understand and address the drivers of illegal migration and establish robust and trusted processes for migration cooperation, including reintegration packages. The UK will bolster its support to strengthen Iraq’s borders through mutually agreed programmes.

Health

Both sides reiterated the importance of developing Iraq’s health sector. They welcomed the UK’s ongoing £35 million Demographic Transition programme that aims to support the Government of Iraq to deliver Family Planning and Sexual Reproductive Health services in line with Iraqi rules and law.

Human rights

Ministers discussed the need to continue our cooperation on human rights and support for women and girls – particularly survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. The UK welcomed the Government of Iraq’s recent efforts to implement the Yazidi Survivors’ Law and both sides recognised UK support to the launch of the reparations applications process – through which over 800 women and girls have begun receiving reparations – and launch a referral pathway for mental health and psychosocial support services.

Both sides also discussed the vital need to support children born of conflict-related sexual violence and welcomed Iraq agreeing to consider making voluntary commitments under the Platform for Action on Promoting the Rights and Wellbeing of Children born of conflict-related sexual violence.

Bilateral and regional politics

Ministers welcomed efforts by the Government of Iraq to further build relations with the region in the pursuit of stability and cooperation, including through the Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership. The UK welcomed efforts to connect Iraq to the GCC’s power grid and establish greater energy connections with the region.

The Republic of Iraq and the United Kingdom look forward to concluding the Strategic Dialogue sessions and reviewing their progress at the next Strategic Dialogue, planned for 2024 in Baghdad.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 July 2023.

UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Internally Displaced Persons.