Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 April 2023.

Mr Neil Wigan OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya in succession to Ms Jane Marriott.

Mr Neil Wigan OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya in succession to Ms Jane Marriott who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Wigan will take up his appointment during July 2023.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Mr Desmond Patrick Neil Wigan OBE

Married with 2 children

Date	Role
2019 to present	Tel Aviv, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2015 to 2018	FCO Director Africa
2013 to 2015	Mogadishu, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2010 to 2013	Kinshasa, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2008 to 2010	Cabinet Office, Deputy Director, Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat
2006 to 2008	FCO, Head, Arab Israel and North Africa Group
2002 to 2006	Tel Aviv, First Secretary and Head of Political Section
2000 to 2002	FCO, Desk Officer, European Union Department (Internal)
2000	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 April 2023.

The UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, is taking part in a series of high-level meetings in India this week, continuing momentum in building strategic ties between the two countries.

The United Kingdom’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, is taking part in a series of high-level meetings in India this week, continuing momentum in building strategic ties between the two countries.

The CDS began his 3-day visit by paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial this morning (17 April), ahead of his first meeting with his Indian counterpart, General Anil Chauhan.

The two Chiefs reviewed progress on various pillars of the UK-India defence partnership and exchanged views to further expand ties in all the domains. The UK and India are natural partners in defence and share a strong and enduring relationship, including collaboration in research, development and training.

Following the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding in 2019, discussions around industrial collaboration in the aerospace sector have been progressing, with the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement visiting in February and the First Sea Lord visiting in March.

Ben Wallace, Defence Secretary, said:

India is a valued defence partner for the UK and our relationship continues to flourish across our research and industrial sectors.

Both our nations are committed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and we continue to train and operate alongside our Indian partners to promote security in the region.

Admiral Radakin subsequently held discussions with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, and Additional Secretary Defence Production, T Natarajan.

Over the next two days, Admiral Radakin will be hosted by various establishments of the Indian Armed Forces across the country, with a view to boost military-to-military engagement and explore opportunities around the co-creation of future technologies.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said:

My visit to India reflects the United Kingdom’s belief that our security is indivisible from that of the wider world. As a global trading nation it matters to the UK that the Indo-Pacific is open and free, which is why the British Armed Forces is establishing the broadest and most integrated presence in the region of any European nation.

India and the UK are natural partners in a world that is becoming more contested and volatile. We share many of the same democratic instincts and values and are both committed to the rule of law. We are respected military powers, both undergoing significant investment and modernisation, and exercising together across, land, sea and air. But we can do more. I value the opportunity to meet with General Anil Chauhan to discuss how we can develop our partnership in a way that benefits our mutual security and prosperity.

The Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force are all carrying out exercises with their Indian equivalents this year, developing interoperability and joint tactics.

In recent weeks, HMS Lancaster visited Kochi to train alongside the Indian Navy as part of Exercise Konkan, while five Mirage 2000 fighters were flown by Indian Air Force pilots in the Royal Air Force’s largest aerial exercise in the UK – Exercise Cobra Warrior.

Later this month, soldiers from the Indian Army will deploy to the UK to take part in Exercise Ajeya Warrior, training alongside the British Army.

The visit of CDS also coincides with the visit of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston. The visit of two of the senior-most officers of the UK’s armed forces exemplifies the importance with which the UK holds its defence and security partnership with India.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 April 2023.

Spey initially transited the country’s territorial waters on 4 and 5 April 2022 as part of its first tour of the South Pacific.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 April 2023.

The ‘Phillips Room’ in the FCDO’s King Charles Street is dedicated to Sir Horace Phillips KCMG, the first British Jewish career ambassador.

• the ‘Phillips Room’ in the FCDO’s King Charles Street building is dedicated to Sir Horace Phillips KCMG, the first British Jewish career ambassador
• Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton was joined by Sir Horace Phillips’ daughter and other family members as well as FCDO Jewish network staff to mark 75 years since Sir Horace joined the Diplomatic Service
• the initiative is an important moment to celebrate the contribution of Jewish staff to the FCDO and Diplomatic Service

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has officially opened the ‘Phillips Room’ in its King Charles Street building in central London, dedicated to the extraordinary life and work of its first Jewish career ambassador, Sir Horace Phillips.

The Phillips Room was named in April 2023, following the 75th anniversary of Sir Horace joining the Diplomatic Service, at an event hosted by the FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton and joined by Sir Horace Phillips’ daughter and other family members, as well as current and former Jewish staff, and British Jewish communal figures.

This initiative, led by the FCDO’s Jewish network, is an important moment to reflect on Sir Horace Phillips’ life and career, to recognise the challenges overcome by Jewish FCDO staff past, present and future, and to celebrate their contribution to the FCDO and Diplomatic Service.

Sir Horace Phillips (1917 to 2004) led an exceptional life. The grandson of Jewish refugees from Eastern Europe, he was born into a working-class family in Glasgow and had a traditional Jewish upbringing. He was educated in state schools and never attended university, defying all odds at the time to become a British ambassador.

He remained a self-described practising Jew all his life, while almost exclusively serving in Muslim-majority countries where he became fluent in Arabic and an expert in the Middle East. He served in Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bahrain before becoming British Ambassador to Indonesia in 1966.

He was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia in 1968 but the Saudi government withdrew agreement to his appointment after discovering he was Jewish. Sir Horace later said that although the episode was traumatic, the Foreign Office supported him throughout and never lost confidence in him. He went on to become High Commissioner to Tanzania and Ambassador to Turkey.

Sir Philip Barton, the Permanent Under-Secretary of the FCDO and Head of the Diplomatic Service said:

The Phillips Room honours the outstanding contribution of Sir Horace and all the FCDO’s Jewish staff, past, present and future. By dedicating this room to him, we have an opportunity to share his story with staff and visitors to our King Charles Street building. That story includes Sir Horace’s remarkable achievements but also recognises the challenges he faced, and that our Jewish colleagues can still face today.

In the 75 years since Sir Horace Phillips joined the Diplomatic Service, the FCDO has made important progress. We will keep striving to ensure our staff represent the people we serve and champion the diversity of the UK today.

There are a number of Jewish staff working at the FCDO and at our overseas posts around the world, continuing Sir Horace Phillips’ legacy. The FCDO’s Jewish Network meets regularly to discuss issues of Jewish interest, as well as advocating for Jewish staff in the FCDO, as one of a range of staff network groups that foster diversity and inclusion. The group is also called The Horace Society, after Sir Horace Phillips.

Sophie Ross and Rebecca Viney, Co-Chairs of the FCDO’s Jewish staff network, the Horace Society, said:

The opening of the Phillips Room is an important moment for the whole Diplomatic Service to reflect on the extraordinary life and career of Sir Horace Phillips, the first British Jewish career ambassador. He was a trailblazer and remains an inspiration for many Jewish staff, who reflect on his diplomatic excellence, talent and fortitude, including in the face of challenges. We hope that the dedication of this room raises awareness of the contribution of Jewish staff to the FCDO Diplomatic Service. We are proud that Sir Horace Phillips’ legacy lives on in the FCDO, with Jewish colleagues continuing to make a contribution at all levels of the organisation, including as Ambassadors.

The Phillips Room features a new display of works from the Government Art Collection, which reflect Sir Horace’s Jewish heritage and his socio-economic background and give an insight into his diplomatic career, focusing on his postings in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Turkey.

The Phillips Room is the latest in a number of rooms and locations in King Charles Street that celebrate exceptional achievements and diversity firsts. These include:

• the ‘Jones Room’, which honours Noel Jones as the first ambassador of colour
• the ‘Watkins Room’, named after LGBT+ diplomat Graeme Watkins who co-founded the LGBT+ staff association at the FCDO
• the Mirror Wall, which recognises the first female ambassadors in our most senior posts

In this way, the FCDO’s historic building celebrates the diverse contribution of our staff and brings to life our goal of an inclusive culture.

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

The British Government’s Minister for the Americas, David Rutley MP, will visit El Salvador from 19-21 April.

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

The UK has issued a statement on the growing momentum towards securing peace in Yemen.

FCDO Spokesperson:

Efforts to secure peace in Yemen are gaining momentum. The country has experienced reduced levels of conflict for more than a year and Yemenis can travel more freely. The recent visit to Sana’a by the Saudi and Omani delegations, led by Saudi Ambassador Mohammad al Jaber, represents progress in efforts to secure a formal ceasefire and ultimately end the eight-year conflict. We look forward to the continuation of these discussions after Eid Al Fitr.

The return of hundreds of former detainees to their homes is also a welcome development; for the individuals, their families, and for prospects for peace. We congratulate the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN, and all those involved in their safe return. If all parties engage constructively, Yemen can build on these positive developments for the benefit of the whole nation.

The crucial next step is inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni talks, under the auspices of the United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg. The UK strongly encourages all parties to now support his efforts towards an enduring end to the war.

Peace is the only way to improve the dire humanitarian situation in the country and allow Yemenis to rebuild their special country.

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

Statement by Ambassador Woodward at the Security Council meeting on UNSMIL.

Let me start by thanking SRSG Bathily and Ambassador Kimihiro for their briefings today. I’d like to focus on the political process, the role of security actors, and civil society.

The United Kingdom continues to support fully SRSG Bathily and his work in Libya. I welcome SRSG Bathily’s consultations with an inclusive set of stakeholders. All Libyans, from social leaders to civil society, have an important role to play in Libya’s long-term efforts towards stability.

Mediation, under the auspices of the SRSG and UNSMIL, is key for elections to succeed. It is vital to bind Libya’s powerbrokers into an agreement that will enable the holding of elections as soon as feasible, without risking progress achieved on peace and stability to date. Mediation should take place between those empowered to resolve key sticking points that have long delayed Libya’s progress towards long-term security.

Second, I note positively the efforts of security actors to come together in support of delivering successful elections. Their initial commitments are welcome and should be the foundation for more substantive political compromises that create the conditions for successful elections. Security actors also have an important role in committing to, and upholding, the security guarantees necessary to enable Libyan’s access to safe, free and fair elections.

Finally, colleagues, as SRSG Bathily said, the crackdown on civil society is deeply concerning. Civic space must be protected to empower all Libyans to play a role in developing an open and democratic society. It is incumbent on Libyan authorities to rapidly develop and clarify a sustainable legal mechanism that allows for freedom of association, operation and assembly, as guaranteed in the Constitutional Declaration.

Additionally, I encourage SRSG Bathily to continue undertaking meaningful engagement with civil society to ensure wider Libyan voices, including, as you mentioned, women and youth, are heard throughout the political process.

Colleagues, there’s a positive start already to help Libya find the solutions to its problems. We must continue to work together constructively to support the Libyan people to address long-standing issues. It is only through coordinated efforts, with a leading role by UNSMIL, that we can help pave the way for elections and beyond, to ensure Libya achieves the stability and prosperity its people deserve.

Thank you.

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

The Foreign Secretary travels to the Pacific to strengthen partnerships with Pacific Island Countries and New Zealand.

• James Cleverly begins a visit to the Commonwealth nations of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Samoa tomorrow (Wednesday 19 April)
• The Foreign Secretary will announce a renewal of partnerships with Pacific nations, including millions in new funding to boost the region’s prosperity
• New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta to join the Foreign Secretary for a joint programme in Samoa, before they travel on to Wellington on Friday (21 April)

The UK’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly begins a tour of the Pacific tomorrow (19 April), to strengthen partnerships with Pacific Island Countries, with a focus on climate change, scientific research and media freedom.

Cleverly will visit Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, before joining the New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta for a joint programme in Samoa. They will then travel on to Wellington together for engagements on Saturday.

During his trip, the Foreign Secretary will announce new commitments to show the UK’s support for a free and open Pacific. £4.5m of new funding will connect communities in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific to clean energy sources, such as by providing an alternative to common but expensive and polluting generators. More UK experts will also work with Pacific communities to tackle marine pollution and maintain clean, healthy oceans, as part of the UK’s £500m Blue Planet Fund.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The UK supports a free and open Pacific. At the very centre of this effort is partnering for the long haul with our friends in the Pacific Islands, listening to their priorities, and working alongside them as they forge their own futures.

The UK is redoubling its engagement in the Pacific, offering our expertise in tackling climate change, protecting the region’s oceans, promoting public health, and supporting open societies and a free media.

In Papua New Guinea, the Foreign Secretary will meet Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko and Prime Minister Marape. He will also see a Fleming Fund-backed hospital in Port Moresby, visit the Grass Skirts project which promotes women and girls’ rights, and lay a wreath at the Bomana Commonwealth War Cemetery.

In Solomon Islands, he will hear from journalists who have taken part in a UK government-backed, BBC-led training programme, and meet Prime Minister Sogavare and Foreign Minister Manele.

In Samoa, the Foreign Secretary will join Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, hold trilateral talks, see the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and visit the Villa Vailima – Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home in Samoa.

The Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Mahuta will then fly to Wellington together. Cleverly will be greeted at the New Zealand parliament by a traditional Māori Pōwhiri ceremony, before holding talks with Foreign Minister Mahuta and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Later in the day he will participate in a rugby training session with players in the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s rugby union team.

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

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

The UK welcomes ongoing efforts to advance peace in Yemen.

The Saudi and Omani delegations to Sana’a represent progress in efforts to find a settlement to the eight-year conflict.

The return of hundreds of former detainees to their homes is also welcome progress; for the individuals, families, and prospects for wider peace. We congratulate all those involved in their safe return.

Inclusive Yemeni-Yemeni political talks, under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy, are the vital next step.

At this time of hope, we are grateful for the unity of this Council. Sustainably improving the lives of the Yemeni people must remain our collective priority.

With this in mind, we call on the parties to refrain from provocation. The recent clashes in Marib and Shabwa had significant humanitarian consequences, displacing 10,000 people, as well as threatening progress towards peace.

Mr President,

Clearly the need for an impactful humanitarian response remains critical, especially while a sizeable funding gap remains.

While the UK commends the progress made, we call for greater ambition in addressing the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Evaluation.

In order for vital humanitarian work to go ahead, we urge authorities across Yemen to allow unfettered humanitarian access.

In particular we join calls for ends to the impediments to independent assessment and monitoring, for fair selection of service providers, and free movement, especially of national female aid workers in the north.

The UN, donors, and local authorities need to step up and work together to effectively address the needs of people in Yemen.

Finally,

We are at a critical moment to address the threat posed by the FSO Safer.

The replacement vessel has begun its journey to Yemen but there is not enough funding for the salvage operation to take place.

The costs of inaction are severe. This would devastate marine life and coastal livelihoods, disrupt life-saving humanitarian assistance for 17 million people, and cost the global economy billions in lost trade every day.

On 4th May, the UK is co-hosting a Pledging Conference with the Netherlands and in partnership with the UN.

This event aims to fill the shortfall and provide a long-term solution for Yemen.

It is on all of us, states, private sector and individuals, to step up and help. The time to act is now. We all have a stake in averting this catastrophe.

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

Statement by Ambassador Woodward, at the Security Council meeting on DPRK.