Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 May 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will agree a landmark new global strategic partnership, ‘The Hiroshima Accord’.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 May 2023.

Ambassador Neil Holland says following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Crimean Tatars have endured ruthless persecution at the hands of the Russian regime.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 May 2023.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is visiting Jamaica and South America, including Colombia, Chile and Brazil, to renew historic friendships and build new ones.

• James Cleverly to renew UK ties with influential region in visit to Jamaica, Colombia, Chile and Brazil
• he will attend UK-Caribbean Forum and announce funding for region’s security and climate resilience
• in South America, Cleverly will stress British support for upholding democracy and protecting the rainforest

The Foreign Secretary will visit countries across Latin America and the Caribbean over the next 7 days to renew the UK’s relationship with the influential region.

James Cleverly arrives in Jamaica today (18 May), on the first leg of a 4-country trip that will focus on climate, democracy and the links between our people.

In Kingston, he will announce £15 million in funding for a Violence Prevention Partnership to counter serious and organised crime, as well as up to £7million for climate finance – supporting the island’s security and protecting vital sites against flooding and coastal erosion.

He will then travel to Colombia, Chile and Brazil, 200 years after Britain first began establishing diplomatic ties with the independent Latin American republics, to deliver a keynote speech on the future relationship with this important region.

It is the first visit by a Foreign Secretary to the Caribbean since 2017 and the first to South America since 2018 – helping meet a UK foreign policy objective to revive old friendships and build new ones beyond established alliances.

Latin America, home to 660 million people and with combined GDP of over $5 trillion, is also an enormous potential market for the UK. Mexico, Chile and Peru are among the region’s members the UK will be joining in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trading bloc – boosting British jobs, growth and influence.

With more than a quarter of the world’s forests, it is also an essential partner in tackling climate change.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

This is a milestone year in the history of UK relations with countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.

While I look forward to celebrating our close bonds of friendship and family, I am also here to renew and enhance our ties for the years ahead.

It is a partnership that will be marked and strengthened by our shared values of freedom, democracy and concern for the state of our planet.

In Jamaica today, Cleverly will attend the UK-Caribbean Forum to set out support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), following a reception he hosted in London on the eve of the Coronation. He will then meet with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

From 19 to 21 May, the Foreign Secretary will be in Colombia to announce new UK support and funding for peace and tackling climate change by protecting the Amazon. Cleverly will visit the Amazon frontier region of Guaviare to see how UK-funded projects are preventing deforestation and helping former combatants rebuild their lives through eco-tourism.  The UK has contributed over £80 million towards implementation of the landmark 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement.

On 22 May, Cleverly will give a speech in Chile’s capital Santiago setting out the UK’s approach to Latin America and like-minded powers around the world.  The speech will launch bicentenary celebrations of UK-Latin America relations in British embassies across the continent – 2 centuries after then-Foreign Secretary George Canning played a pivotal role in guaranteeing the independence of the region’s new states.

The visit will conclude in Brazil, where Cleverly will sign a wide-ranging climate partnership with his hosts on Green and Inclusive Growth and travel to the Amazon rainforest. This will build on the £80 million of Amazon funding announced by the Prime Minister during President Lula’s visit to the UK for the Coronation.

He will emphasise the UK’s support for Brazilian democracy at the national Congress, which was attacked by protestors on 8 January.

The Foreign Secretary set out his personal commitment to deepening UK engagement with countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America in his speech on 12 December 2022 – where he said the UK’s future global impact will depend on winning over a far broader array of global partners.

Then in March, the Integrated Review Refresh set out how the importance of deeper, enduring partnerships with influential actors, including Latin America, that will shape the geopolitical environment in the years ahead.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 May 2023.

The United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates signed a joint communiqué to mark the inaugural UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue, held in London on 15 May 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 His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, for the inaugural UK-UAE Strategic Dialogue in London on 15 May 2023.

The Strategic Dialogue builds on the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in September 2021, during which both countries’ leaders agreed to establish a Partnership for the Future. The ambitious Partnership set the roadmap for collaboration between the UK and UAE, and it was agreed through it that the Foreign Ministers co-chair the Strategic Dialogue to drive progress under the Partnership for the Future.

The Strategic Dialogue underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship, noting the breadth of the collaboration between the 2 countries, their shared history, and enduring commitment to deepening ties and enhancing people-to-people relations. The ministers reiterated their commitment to the relationship and welcomed the growing partnership across a range of sectors, welcoming the inaugural Strategic Dialogue as an important moment in the bilateral relationship.

During the Strategic Dialogue, both ministers agreed on the need for cooperation to tackle global challenges. The ministers discussed the importance of an inclusive and ambitious agenda for the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) to be held at Expo City Dubai in November 2023. Both ministers reiterated the importance of increased ambition and implementation in this critical decade and the need to deliver a robust and unified response to the Global Stocktake to close the ambition gaps in mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, including keeping 1.5C in reach; and to halt and reverse global forest and biodiversity loss. Together they reiterated the need for accelerating climate action and collaborating on long-term projects that enhance cooperation on clean energy, climate finance, adaptation, nature, and food systems, and agreed to further elaborate these partnerships.

The 2 sides also praised the trade and investment links, as well as aviation relations, that exist between the UK and the UAE. They noted the success of increased trade in goods and services between the 2 countries, currently at an all-time high of £21.6 billion during the 4 quarters to the end of quarter 4 2022. They welcomed the success of the ‘Sovereign Investment Partnership’ signed in 2021 and outlined the UK and the UAE’s support for expanding and deepening trade and investment relations between the 2 countries in areas of mutual benefit.

The 2 sides praised the existing partnerships between the 2 countries in the fields of energy and clean energy, which complement and strengthen the 2 countries’ ambitious climate goals and transition towards a low-carbon future. Both sides expressed readiness to hold the 8th session of the UAE-UK Joint Economic Committee (JEC) this year, while also welcoming the conclusion of the third round of UK-GCC FTA negotiations that concluded in March and noting that they look forward to the fourth round, which will be hosted by the UK later this year.

In this context, the 2 sides agreed to build on the excellent bilateral trade and investment relationship and continue simultaneous bilateral discussions, in the form of annexes or side agreements to the GCC FTA, to explore ways to agree on UAE-UK specific matters. Both sides reiterated full commitment in the work towards solidifying the cooperation in the field of illicit finance, under the umbrella of the UAE-UK Partnership to Tackle Illicit Financial Flows signed in September 2021.

The foreign ministers discussed the importance of coordination at the United Nations Security Council and commended the UAE’s leadership on the recent UNSC resolutions on Afghanistan. The ministers also held detailed talks on shared priorities at the UNSC, including advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, promoting tolerance and counter extremism, and addressing the impacts of climate change on international peace and security, as well as conflict prevention and peaceful solutions, peacebuilding and sustaining peace, and addressing intolerance, hate speech, discrimination, and all forms of extremism. The ministers committed to strengthening the UAE-UK bilateral partnership through robust multilateral cooperation.

The ministers also held detailed talks on regional security and stability, and emphasised the importance of dialogue and building bridges to achieve regional peace and prosperity, including in their discussions on Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. They agreed on the need to work together, including through the UN, to support diplomatic initiatives and channels aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, in line with the principles of the UN Charter. Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across domestic and regional security issues.

Ahead of the meeting of foreign ministers, the Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Lord Tariq Ahmad, and His Excellency Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, met to discuss the progress made towards the Partnership for the Future.

While celebrating the progress in the relationship, both Lord Ahmad and His Excellency Dr Gargash underlined their ambition to deepen cooperation and expand bilateral collaboration. The 2 sides discussed the importance of collaboration on energy and climate change mitigation, development, science and technology, security, and consular affairs. Moreover, they agreed on the importance of maintaining regular communication to ensure further progress under the pillars of the Partnership.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 May 2023.

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 May 2023.

UK military advisor, Ian Stubbs, says the success of Ukraine’s air defence in protecting its citizens should not distract from the horrific tactics of the Kremlin.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Over the past week, Russia has continued to launch large-scale missile and drone strikes on towns and cities across Ukraine. Yesterday, Kyiv endured a particularly intense attack. Thankfully, reports indicate that most of the missiles and drones were intercepted by Ukrainian air defence, significantly reducing the potential scale of civilian casualties. A sober demonstration that air defence systems gifted, by international partners of Ukraine, are saving lives.

However, the success of Ukraine’s air defences in protecting its citizens and civilian infrastructure should not distract from the calculated and callous actions of Russia’s military leadership. Actions that aim to bring terror and suffering to Ukrainian people – all because they have demonstrated unwavering courage and resolve to stand up to a brutal and barbaric invader. Russia must know that these horrific tactics have not and will not work; they will not compensate for its failings on the battlefield.

Madam Chair, Russia’s invasion is stalling. In Bakhmut, despite months of attempts and thousands of casualties, Russia still has not managed to achieve tactical success. Over the last five days, reports indicate that elements of Russia’s 72nd Separate Motor Rifle Brigade withdrew in bad order from their positions to the south of the city. Ukrainian assaults have also forced back the Russian frontline to the north-west. In total, Ukrainian forces are assessed to have re-taken nearly 20 square km around Bakhmut over the last two weeks.

This has come at great cost to Russia. Since summer 2022, Wagner and regular Russian forces have likely suffered well over 30,000 personnel killed and wounded in the Popasna-Bakhmut sector alone.

Russian disorder on the battlefield is seemingly fuelling further dysfunction in the already fraught relationship between Wagner and the Russian Ministry of Defence. On 11 May 2023, Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin criticised the Russian armed forces for fleeing during the Ukrainian advances on the Bakhmut flanks. He said that gains made with “blood and lives” were being thrown away. He called Russia’s so-called “Special Military Operation” a “stupid war” and speculated over what will happen when soldiers realise they have been set up by those “sitting in mahogany offices”.

Madam Chair, more widely, if we look at the state of Russia’s invasion force in Ukraine there is a similarly telling situation. The current Russian Combined Grouping of Forces (CGF) looks similar in size and composition to the invasion force of 24 February last year, but it is not. Back then, the force consisted of professional soldiers; was largely equipped with reasonably modern vehicles; and had been regularly exercised, aspiring to conduct complex, joint operations.  But the professional force failed to achieve the strategic and operational goals it was set.

Now the CGF consists mostly of poorly trained mobilised reservists and is increasingly reliant on antiquated equipment, with many of its units severely under-strength. The CGF now routinely only conducts simple, infantry-based operations. Russia has failed to command air superiority over Ukraine; a theatre of war which Russia created, and which Russia chose to fight. Recent reports of four Russian military aircraft lost over Russia’s Bryansk region indicates Russia’s ability to operate safely in its own airspace is now compromised.

How can the Russian military leadership possibly think that a force of largely amateur soldiers will succeed where Russia’s professional army has already failed? Russia must realise that it can never win in Ukraine. If it keeps fighting, it will keep losing.

Madam Chair, the UK and its international partners are steadfast in our support for Ukraine as demonstrated by the continued provision of military assistance. On Monday, our Prime Minster met with President Zelenskyy and announced the UK’s further gifting of hundreds of air defence missiles and unmanned aerial systems including new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200km. This package of military assistance was in addition to provision of Storm Shadow precision missiles announced last week.

Madam Chair, Ukraine has regained territory and liberated thousands of Ukrainian people thanks to the awe-inspiring bravery of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and overwhelming international support. Together, the UK and partners are ensuring that Ukraine will win. Our united approach of providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself and push Russia out of Ukraine’s sovereign territory is the swiftest, and only, path to a just and lasting peace. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 May 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN General Assembly meeting on Central Asia.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 May 2023.

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

Thank you, President, and I thank ASG Pobee, Executive Secretary Tiare and Ms Diouf for their briefings.

President, the Sahel is in crisis: escalating violence at the hands of extremist groups; democratic governance and human rights under threat; and vast humanitarian needs and food insecurity, all exacerbated by climate change and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

These challenges need to be tackled by the countries of the Sahel, supported by international partners, through a determined show of political will, commitment to human rights and regional cooperation. The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the Sahel and its people. We contributed around $284 million to the region last year.

President, I want to set out three priorities for the coming period.

First, with three regional states in the midst of political transitions, the continued leadership of ECOWAS and the African Union is vital. We urge the Burkinabe, Chadian and Malian authorities to adhere to agreed election timetables.

Second, counter-terrorism operations must respect human rights and international humanitarian law. To do otherwise risks aggravating grievances, undermining trust with local communities, and driving recruitment to terrorist groups.

We welcome the G5 Sahel’s reaffirmed commitment to the Compliance Framework under its new structures, and ongoing work with OHCHR. We continue to urge further progress towards implementation of human rights due diligence mitigation measures, as recommended by MINUSMA.

At the same time, we are deeply concerned by the disturbing findings in last week’s OHCHR report on the massacre of hundreds of people in Moura, Mali by Malian security forces and the Russian-backed Wagner Group. As High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has said, such cases of summary executions, rape and torture amount to war crimes. We fully support MINUSMA’s role in investigating and reporting on human rights violations and abuses, and we urge the Malian authorities to strengthen their cooperation with the UN and to respect MINUSMA’s freedom of movement.

New reports of around 150 civilian fatalities, including 45 children, following an attack by armed forces in the village of Karma, Burkina Faso on 20 April are also deeply disturbing. We urge all states in the region to fully respect their obligations under international law.

Third, we agree with the Secretary-General’s message in his report that regionally-led solutions are the most effective way to create lasting peace and stability. The Accra Initiative is a promising example, and we look forward to supporting its members’ efforts. We hope the forthcoming report of the High-Level Panel on Security and Development will bring greater coherence between different initiatives in the Sahel.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2023.

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

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2023.

The UK and Morocco held the 5th UK-Morocco Higher Education Commission on 10 May.

On 10 May 2023 Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, the UN, and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Dr Abdellatif Miraoui, Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, presided over the 5th meeting of the UK-Morocco Higher Education Commission at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London.

The meeting followed the previous day’s 4th UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in Rabat, co-chaired by Lord Ahmad and Nasser Bourita, Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. The Dialogue – covering culture, education, political, economic and security issues – further demonstrated the strength and depth of the bilateral relationship.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Moroccan government, the British Council, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, the UK Quality Assurance Agency, Universities UK International, Morocco’s National Agency for Evaluation and Quality Assurance (ANEAQ), as well as several UK and Moroccan universities. The meeting served to advance higher education collaboration between Morocco and the UK, in particular English learning and assessment, transnational education and scientific research.

The meeting saw a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the British Council in Morocco and Morocco’s Ministry of Higher Education. The agreement aims to increase the uptake of English language assessment in Moroccan public universities, paving the way for future partnerships with other UK institutions in the field of student assessments.

The meeting also discussed bilateral successes including the institutional partnership between Keele University and the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, collaboration on quality of higher education offerings, and climate research partnerships between University College London and University Ibn Tofail of Kenitra.

Established in 2019, the Higher Education Commission meets annually, as well as through quarterly sub-groups, to foster stronger ties in higher education, scientific research, quality assurance, and transnational education.