Tag: Foreign Office

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Thank you, President, and I thank Director General Grossi for your briefing.

Since the start of its full-scale invasion, Russia’s reckless actions at nuclear facilities across Ukraine have threatened the safety of Ukrainians and the international community.

Let me be clear, Russia’s control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is illegal and continues to pose a serious threat to the facility’s safe and secure functioning.

The IAEA’s February report confirmed the continued presence of military personnel and activity across the site, and described a situation that is “dangerous, precarious and challenging”.

Unauthorised military vehicles and stores sit in turbine halls. Landmines in the vicinity of the plant endanger Ukrainian operating staff and delay maintenance work. Supply chains and associated logistics continue to be severely impacted by the conflict, and off-site power supplies remain vulnerable.

New imagery shows Russian forces have established sandbag fighting positions on the roofs of several of the six reactor buildings. This indicates they have integrated the actual reactor buildings, of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, into tactical defence planning.

Russia’s actions have violated all of Director General Grossi’s ‘seven pillars of nuclear safety and security.’

We’ve always been clear that as long as Russia’s illegal control of the plant continues, its safe and secure operation cannot be ensured.

As the Director General said, the situation simply cannot go on. I thank him and his colleagues at the IAEA for their bravery and ceaseless efforts to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Government.

We continue to support the IAEA’s work in Ukraine and its efforts to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear technology around the world.

We recognise Director General Grossi’s efforts to maintain safety at the Zaporizhzia plant including through his five principles, as part of a solution that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.

I pay tribute too to the bravery, professionalism and resilience of Ukrainian staff at the plant who continue to work tirelessly under duress.

President, the situation at Zaporizhzhia is entirely of Russia’s making.

Russia can resolve this situation at any time. It should withdraw its troops from the plant and from all of Ukraine.

Thank you.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Thank you to Special Envoy Pedersen, Ms Mudawi and to Ms Aveline for your informative briefings.

It is clear from the Special Envoy’s remarks, the last month has seen significant developments in Syria. So, now is the time to redouble our efforts for an inclusive and accountable end to the conflict so that Syrians enjoy peace, so Syria no longer exports instability to the region and refugees can return in safety and with dignity. Security Council resolution 2254 provides the framework to deliver sustainable and lasting peace for the people of Syria.

Last week, the UN and international community came together to focus on the protection of civilians. This includes 15.1 million people in need because of the impact of 12 years of war, including 4.1 million people in North West Syria who faced a crisis on top of a crisis when the devastating earthquake hit in February.

We welcome the extension of access to Bab Al Salam and Al Rai earlier this month, and we applaud the UN’s efforts there. But last minute agreements for short-term periods are not workable. As the Secretary-General has said, and the Special Envoy reminded us today, humanitarians need to plan effectively, with predictable access, in order to deliver the indispensable, as Ms Mudawi said, “the indispensable humanitarian” [assistance] to people who are, as she said, “in life and death need.”

So, the extension of the Council’s mandate for Bab Al Hawa for at least 12 months, as all three of our briefers have said today, is critical. But the people of Syria deserve more than that. They deserve answers on the whereabouts of their loved ones who have been detained and or are missing. As the Special Envoy said, this is a core issue that affects all Syrians, on all sides of the conflict. Progress on this issue is essential for rebuilding trust with the Syrian people, and putting in place the conditions needed for refugees to choose to go home.

We also need effective action to stem the illegal captagon trade, to demonstrate that regional stability comes above the billion-dollar income the regime currently derives from it.

Colleagues, for a stable region, we need a sustainable end to this conflict. Security Council resolution 2254 is the framework to deliver that lasting peace for the people of Syria.

We call on the Syrian regime to meaningfully engage in this process.

Thank you.

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

UK Minister for the Americas David Rutley travels to the Midwest to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

• UK Americas Minister travelling to Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky as part of policy to deepen trading ties with states across the US
• with more than $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies, visit will build on US-UK trade relationships and help create jobs on both sides of the Atlantic
• David Rutley to meet with key political and business leaders and will attend the 91st US Conference of Mayors in Columbus, Ohio

The UK’s Americas Minister David Rutley is travelling to the heartland of the American Midwest from today (Tuesday, 30 May) to promote UK-US trade ties that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the Atlantic.

In a visit to Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, David Rutley will champion the UK as a great investment and business partner for states across the US, building on the more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies.

The US is the largest destination for UK foreign direct investment, and the UK supports more jobs in America than any other country in the world, with more than 1.2 million people in America working for British businesses.

Economic growth and the creation of better paid jobs is among the five priorities set out by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Minister Rutley will discuss with political and business leaders how the UK and US can boost cooperation in key sectors to make their economies more resilient, create jobs and protect livelihoods.

Minister for the Americas and Caribbean David Rutley said:

The US and the UK have more than $1 trillion already invested in each other’s economies and our relationship drives growth and supports millions of jobs.

We’re working in partnership to take full advantage of the rich bounty of business opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

The UK is strengthening trade ties with individual states across the US, in parallel to work with the federal government, and has already signed memoranda of understanding with Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Active engagement with other states, including Texas, Utah and California, is ongoing to sign further arrangements which will make it easier and cheaper for US and UK companies to do business with each other.

During his time in the Midwest, Minister Rutley will hold bilateral meetings with leading state-level political and business figures.

In Ohio, Minister Rutley will also attend the 91st annual US Conference of Mayors in Columbus where he will meet with key political figures to showcase how the UK can work with cities across the country in building trading relationships that can help drive regional economic growth.

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

The spare parts will improve the Land Border Regiments’ Land Rovers recce capability and support their mission to defend the security and stability of Lebanon.

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

James Cleverly will meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia. He will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

• James Cleverly to meet UK military personnel leading NATO’s mission in Estonia protecting its ‘Eastern Flank’ by land, sea and air
• he will meet members of the new Estonian Government and visit a school for Ukrainian refugee children
• Foreign Secretary will then visit Norway for a meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers with support to Ukraine, and Sweden’s accession high on the agenda

The UK’s commitment to NATO and the defence of its ‘Eastern Flank’ will be underlined today (Tuesday 30 May) as the Foreign Secretary arrives in Tallinn to begin a 2-leg visit to Northern Europe.

In his first trip as Foreign Secretary to Estonia, James Cleverly will meet members of the new Estonian Government to highlight the UK’s role as a steadfast security partner, committed to deterring aggression and defending all NATO Allies in times of crisis and conflict.

As a demonstration of that partnership, the Foreign Secretary will visit the Royal Navy’s amphibious flagship, HMS Albion, currently in the Baltic Sea for 2 months taking part in military exercises with allies in the region, to hear from British military personnel across all 3 British armed forces, including some of the 850 UK troops currently stationed in the country as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence.

He will also underline the UK’s strong desire for continued close cooperation on issues of importance to European security, including sustained support for Ukraine and working together to tackle illegal migration.

Cleverly will then visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers to call for Sweden’s swift accession to the Alliance ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July. Both Norway and Estonia are also members of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), the group of like-minded, northern European nations protecting democracy, security and stability in the region, complementing wider NATO activity.

Ahead of his visit, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

In Estonia, across land, sea and air, British personnel are on the frontline protecting Europe’s security and deterring Russia’s cruel and catastrophic aggression.

As NATO Allies, we are stronger than ever before – unified against hostility and in defence of democracy and freedom.

Not only is our military leading the way, our diplomats are working across the globe to galvanise our partners and strengthen international efforts to ensure Putin faces the consequences of his barbaric actions.

Cleverly will see first-hand how British forces personnel are leading NATO’s land and air missions to Estonia, helping to protect it on land, at sea and in the air.

At Amari air base, the Foreign Secretary will witness RAF Typhoons taking to the skies as the current lead nation for Baltic air policing out of Estonia, and see British Army Apache and Wildcat helicopters supporting multi-national exercises.

Cleverly will speak to Estonian tech company founders to promote economic ties between the UK and Estonia. He will review progress on the UK-Estonia tech partnership, which aims to develop new technologies in areas such as digital health and sustainable energy as well as creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

The Foreign Secretary will also pay a visit to a school set up in Estonia for children of Ukrainian refugees, who have fled the conflict in their country. Estonia has taken in more than 46,000 Ukrainians since the war began, offering them a safe haven away from Russian bombardment.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary will visit Oslo for an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers, where he will seek to shore up political and military support to Ukraine.

He will also use the gathering as part of a continued push for Sweden’s swift accession to NATO ahead of the Vilnius Summit in July, telling allies that its full membership will significantly boost NATO’s collective strength.

The Foreign Secretary’s trip follows visits to Moldova, Georgia and Kazakhstan in March, 3 more countries facing Russia’s malign activity on their doorstep.

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

FCDO spokesperson statement on relocation of the illegal outpost in Homesh.

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

Special envoys and representatives from Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union have issued a statement.

Statement by special envoys and representatives from Norway, the UK, the US and the EU:

Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union [the Troika plus EU] welcome the African Union (AU) communiqué of 27 May following the Heads of State and Government Peace & Security Council meeting on Sudan. We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the 2 warring parties and the suffering they have caused the people of Sudan. The Troika plus EU reaffirms its support for African leadership and the AU’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, and welcomes the AU’s work to establish an expanded mechanism and its Core Group to ensure inclusive and coordinated regional and international action to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan.

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

British Ambassador to Jordan, Bridget Brind OBE, spoke of the work the UK and Jordan are doing to advance our century-long friendship and partnership.

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

Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

• Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
• he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian Government
• Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries

Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also fo2r the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2023.

Foreign Office Minister Lord Ahmad will visit India from 27 to 31 May to accelerate science and technology ties.

• Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is visiting India from 27 to 31 May, with a focus on strengthening science, research and innovation links
• he will visit historic cultural sites and high-tech research facilities in Jodhpur, New Delhi and Hyderabad while meeting senior officials from the Indian government
• Lord Ahmad will announce the UK-India Health-Tech Bootcamp winners, welcoming collaboration between the health and start-up communities in both countries

Lord Ahmad is in India for a visit that will accelerate UK-India collaboration on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the 2 countries in April.

Building on the ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap, Lord Ahmad will meet senior Indian ministers and officials, including Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

The visit’s focus on science, technology and innovation emphasises the UK’s commitment to deepen partnerships in these areas across the globe – evidenced by the recent announcement of a new Tech Envoy to the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening the UK-India relationship is a key pillar of the UK’s long-term foreign policy, as part of its enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific set out in the Integrated Review Refresh.

UK Minister for South Asia Lord Ahmad said:

The UK and India are trusted partners united by the unique living bridge that closely connects our countries and people.

Building on the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK future relations, we are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations.

The visit comes as the UK and India continue to make progress towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). An ambitious, balanced FTA would boost our current trading relationship, worth £36 billion in 2022.

A trade deal with India supports the government’s growth strategy to take advantage of the UK’s status as an independent trading nation, creating new trade and investment opportunities and championing free trade.

Lord Ahmad’s visit to Rajasthan will be his first trip to his mother’s birthplace of Jodphur as Minister for South Asia and will highlight the region’s rich cultural history.  He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, and discuss education, sustainability and gender equality with emerging women leaders.

In New Delhi, Lord Ahmad will launch the ‘English Skills for Youth’ programme, co-developed by the British Council and Microsoft India, which will enhance global employment opportunities for Indian young people, especially young women. The Minister will announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot camp boosting health-tech innovations from India.

Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world’s largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot. He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK’s flagship international scholarship programme.

Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said:

The UK and India enjoy an invaluable partnership. As we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030, we are deepening and accelerating our collaboration on health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence.

With India’s Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also for the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems.