Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

UK Chargé d’Affaires, Deputy Ambassador James Ford, condemns Russia’s intensification of attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including its largest aerial assault of the war. This and inflammatory comments that run counter to Russia’s international commitments are further evidence that Moscow is still not serious about peace.

Thank you, Madam Chair. It is now nearly four months since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. By contrast, Russia has not only refused to accept the proposal but has continued to intensify its attacks against Ukraine.

In fact, since direct talks began on 16 May, Russia has launched its biggest aerial attacks of the war.  It broke its shameful records again at the start of this week, when it launched more than 500 aerial weapons at Ukraine.

As well as being the most intense aerial attacks of the war, these recent assaults have also been among the most deadly for Ukraine’s innocent civilians. The attack on the Dnipro region on 24 June killed 20 civilians, left more than 270 others wounded and damaged schools and hospitals. And the horrific attack against Kyiv on 16-17 June, which destroyed a civilian residential building, killed 30 civilians and left a further 172 people injured. This was the second deadliest attack on Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began. So far in 2025, Russian attacks have killed more than 1000 civilians in Ukraine.

These are not the actions of a government that is serious about peace. They are the actions of those who believe they can take advantage while the world is distracted by events elsewhere. It is our collective responsibility here to dispel this notion, to remind them that the world is watching and to ensure that Moscow understands that there will be a cost for frustrating peace and attacking innocent civilians.

Madam Chair, when it comes to peace, we have learnt to assess Russia’s actions rather than Russian rhetoric. But if we needed further evidence that Moscow is not currently serious about compromise or ending the war, we can look at the recent comments made by the President of the Russian Federation, as our Ukrainian colleague also highlighted.

On 18 June he said that, if Ukraine did not agree to Russia’s terms, “we will achieve our goals by military means.” On 20 June he said that “the Russian and Ukrainian peoples are essentially one people. In that sense, we see Ukraine as ours.” He also described as a long-standing principle that “wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land.”

Clearly, such statements run directly counter to the Helsinki commitments to which we have all agreed. And, alongside the escalation in attacks against Ukrainian civilians, they underline Moscow’s lack of seriousness about peace talks.

Madam Chair, as the UK – along with the vast majority of participating States here at the OSCE – we continue to call on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to create the space for negotiations on a framework for a just and lasting peace. Regrettably, we see no evidence that Russia will engage meaningfully without further pressure to do so. We are therefore ready to act with partners to introduce new sanctions if Moscow continues to ignore these widespread calls for a ceasefire. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

UK Statement for Iraq’s Universal Periodic Review Outcomes Session. Delivered at the 59th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

We welcome the government of Iraq’s engagement with the UPR process, and their continued commitment to advancing justice and accountability for survivors of Daesh’s international crimes, following the closure of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Daesh/ISIL (UNITAD) in September.

We are pleased to support Iraq’s efforts in building the capacity of the judiciary to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual violence, modern slavery and human trafficking. And we continue to advocate for the full and survivor-centred implementation of the Yazidi Survivors’ Law.

Mr President, the UK remains concerned by the shrinking civic and political space in Iraq which continues to restrict the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. We encourage the authorities to ensure that protestors, journalists, the media, and civil society are protected from interference and harassment, and that perpetrators of violence are held to account.

Likewise, minorities should be protected to freely practice their religion or belief, without fear of persecution.

The UK is closely assessing the implications of the amendment to Iraq’s Personal Status Law and will continue to stay engaged on this matter.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 July 2025.

The Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean and Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations in London on 3 July.

The Rt. Hon Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean welcomed Peruvian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Felix Denegri to London on 3 July, where the two Ministers co-chaired the 6th session of the Peru-UK Political Consultations.

A historic relationship rooted in shared values dating back over 200 years, the UK and Peru reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their modern partnership.

Successes celebrated since the last meeting include the successful ratification of the UK’s CPTPP accession; the signing of a Double Taxation Agreement; and signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Change. The two countries celebrated the  culmination of the 200-year anniversary of Peru-UK relations in 2023 and numerous high-level visits both ways.

1. On security and defence, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order and willingness to jointly tackle global insecurity. The UK and Peru agreed to drive collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding on Security cooperation, addressing transnational drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, corruption and environmental crime.
2. On growth, the parties celebrated the strengthening of bilateral trade and investment, supported by a growing framework of trade and government-to-government agreements (G2Gs). Peru acknowledged the UK’s valuable contribution to Peru’s infrastructure on health, education and flood defences. This includes the UK’s position as the largest foreign direct investor in mining in Peru. The UK also presented its recently launched Industrial Strategy and the two sides discussed collaboration on Peru’s clean energy transition, including unlocking green hydrogen potential.
3. The parties highlighted their joint efforts to address climate change, protect the Amazon Rainforest, promote green investment and tackle environmental crime. They celebrated the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Climate and Biodiversity and discussed Peru’s leadership as a key partner in Latin America ahead of COP30. The UK offered to continue supporting Peru in developing a National Bioeconomy Strategy by 2026.
4. Lastly, the UK and Peru stressed the value of shared cultural experiences as a foundation to the bilateral relationship. They celebrated the promotion of English Language learning through the British Council and academic excellence through the UK’s Chevening scholarships programme. The parties will soon drive this further through the signing of two Memorandum’s of Understanding to collaborate on quality higher education in Peru delivered by the British Council.

Speaking after the Consultations, Baroness Chapman said:

The UK and Peru share a warm and historic friendship – over 200 years strong,  grounded in our values, mutual respect and common ambitions.

Today we are working closer than ever for shared growth and prosperity. The UK is already Peru’s largest foreign investor and I had a fantastic discussion with Ambassador Denegri today on how we can build on this, from trade, to climate and security.

Vice minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru, Félix Denegri said:

We had very fruitful discussions with Baroness Chapman, in which we ratified our commitment to continuously expand and strengthen our bilateral agenda, based on our shared principles, values and interests.

I am greatly satisfied with the level of bilateral engagement between Peru and the UK, shown in reciprocal ministerial, vice-ministerial and high authorities visits in the last two years. We both highlighted the continuity of our Political Consultations Mechanism, being this the sixth since its establishment in 2018.

We look forward to welcome Baroness Chapman for our next round of Consultations, in Peru.

The UK and Peru will continue to strengthen bilateral ties across security, growth, climate and education, invigorated through their new agreements and MOUs. The parties agreed to reconvene in Peru in 2026.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says amid global crises, including war in Iran, the UK urges continued focus on Ukraine.

Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. This unwavering support is rooted in the defence of sovereignty, international law, and the multilateral system. As Ukraine continues to resist Russian aggression with resilience and determination, recent developments underscore both the urgency of sustained assistance and the growing strain on Russia’s military and economic apparatus.

On the battlefield, Ukraine continues to hold the line, and in several areas, it is pushing it back. In Sumy Oblast, Russian attempts to establish a buffer zone were reversed by Ukrainian forces in late June. On 30 June, Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the liberation of Andriyivka and advances near Oleksiivka, halting Russia’s northern offensive. Across Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, Russian offensives remain stalled or inconclusive. Ukrainian counterattacks have blunted their momentum. Russia’s increasing reliance on small, dispersed assault groups, observed between 22-30 June, reflects not tactical ingenuity but strategic desperation. On 27 June, Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces struck the Marinovka airfield in Russia’s Volgograd region, destroying two Su-34 fullback fighter jets and damaging two more.

While Russia may emphasise incremental battlefield gains, these claims frequently lack independent verification. What is verifiable reality is that Russia’s economy is buckling under the weight of its own aggression. Oil and gas revenues are falling, inflation is surging, and the rouble continues to depreciate. President Putin himself has admitted the economy is ‘overheating.’ Sanctions are biting hard, damaging Russia’s industrial base, widening the gap between military demand and production capacity, and forcing the Kremlin to rely on a dwindling National Wealth Fund to plug a ballooning deficit. Arms exports have collapsed, and production of advanced systems like the Su-57 fighter jet has been suspended due to parts shortages. This has driven Russia to search for sources elsewhere – China remains the decisive enabler of Russia’s war, and Iran has provided drones and ballistic missiles. In addition, over half of the artillery shells used by Russia since 2024 have come from North Korea. A telling sign of Moscow’s increasing dependence on foreign support.

So how does Russia respond? President Putin has escalated his campaign of terror from the skies. On June 29, Russian forces launched the largest air assault since the start of the full-scale invasion, firing over 500 aerial weapons in a single night. While most were intercepted, the attacks caused civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage. President Zelenskyy rightly condemned these strikes as further proof that Russia is not seeking peace, but destruction.

Finally, the Russian delegation will no doubt highlight recent NATO defence announcements as provocative. To clarify, again, in response to Russia’s increasing aggression across the Euro-Atlantic area, its illegal actions in Ukraine and its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, the United Kingdom is reinforcing its own defence and deterrence posture. Our procurement of F-35A aircraft and participation in NATO’s dual-capable aircraft nuclear mission represent the most significant enhancement of our nuclear readiness in a generation. This is a strategic move to ensure NATO’s credibility and preparedness to respond to an increasingly volatile security environment.

Madame Chair, while the world faces multiple crises, from instability in the Middle East to tensions in the Indo-Pacific, we must not lose sight of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion is not just a conflict against Ukraine; it is a direct assault on the principles that underpin global peace and security. Let us be clear: Russia’s aggression will not succeed. Its economy is faltering, its military is overstretched, and its international isolation is deepening. Ukraine, by contrast, stands strong, resilient, united, and supported by a global coalition of democracies. The United Kingdom reaffirms its enduring commitment to Ukraine. We will stand with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Haiti.

Mr President, the UK condemns, without reservation, the violence that continues to undermine efforts to restore democratic rule in Haiti.

Coordinated gang attacks on civilian communities, public buildings and the security services continue to destabilise the Haitian state.

The gangs’ use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool to control the population is abhorrent.

We stand with the survivors, and we fully support efforts by BINUH and OHCHR to strengthen law enforcement efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The international community, including this Council, need to support the Haitian government’s efforts to re-establish security and stability.

We thank the pen holders for their efforts, and we stand ready to renew the mandate of the Special Political Mission to Haiti.

It is clear that more is needed, and the Haitian security forces and the Multinational Security Support mission should be adequately supported in order to stabilise the security situation.

The UK pays tribute to Kenya for its continued leadership of the MSS mission in support of the Haitian Police.

It is important now for this Council to agree a process to consider the Secretary-General’s recommendations to deliver enhanced UN security support to Haiti, as a matter of urgency.

This action must be matched by Haitian efforts to advance the restoration of democratic rule.

We note the recent publication of decrees to facilitate constitutional reform and the establishment of an electoral framework.

This is a positive step, but more action is needed to lay the groundwork for inclusive and credible elections.

We recognise the complex security environment and the considerable pressures facing the Transitional Presidential Council, and we encourage Haitian authorities to continue this work, while prioritising security and justice efforts to stabilise the country.

The UK firmly rejects those seeking to undermine such a transition and is committed to maintaining accountability, including through the implementation of sanctions on those who seek to destabilise Haiti.

Mr President, the people of Haiti deserve stability and a lasting peace.

Collectively, we must find a way to deliver that.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Alyson King’s speech on the King’s Birthday Party delivered on 19 June.

Your Excellency the President of the Republic, represented here by his principal advisor in charge of the College of Environment, Urban Planning and Mobility, HE Ambassador Tosi Mpanu Mpanu,

Honourable Senators and Members of Parliament,

Your Excellencies, distinguished members of the national and provincial governments, and their representatives here present,

Madam SRSG and Head of MONUSCO,

Excellencies, my fellow Ambassadors and heads of international organisations,

Dear members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations,

Distinguished religious and civil authorities, members of political parties,

Dear partners,

Eminent representatives of civil society and the world of culture,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Dear friends,

All protocol observed

Boyei malamu na moto nyonso! (Welcome to everyone!)

Thank you all for coming. Your presence helps to create a special atmosphere as we celebrate the official birthday of King Charles III. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the links between the UK and the DRC.

The UK established its first diplomatic mission here in 1902, when a British consulate was built in the then capital, Boma.

But even though our relationship is 123 years old this year, I think we’re just getting started!

I’m going to repeat what I said last year:

We still do not know each other as well as we might. It remains my firm conviction that the more we know and understand each other, the more opportunities we will find to do good things together.

That’s enough recycling, at least for words!

The past year has been marked by undeniably negative events, and I’d like to say a few words about them before turning to more encouraging aspects.

In January, the battle for Goma began when Rwandan troops and the M23 attacked. Many civilians died, as did members of MONUSCO and SAMIDRC. Many people were forced to move – once again – and numerous human rights violations were committed by all the actors on the ground. I was forced to close our office in Goma.

A few days later, several embassies – both African and Western – and diplomatic residences in Kinshasa were attacked and looted. Perhaps the oldest principle of international public law is “don’t shoot the messenger”. Peaceful demonstration is an essential democratic right and freedom; as diplomats, we are there to understand and convey messages, particularly when the situation is difficult. But this type of violence is unacceptable and counter-productive. It delayed the international response to events in the east of the country rather than encouraging it.

Today, a record 5 million people live under occupation in the east of the DRC, under the administration of a UN-sanctioned rebel group.

I want to be very clear.

The UK Government condemns the actions of all illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, including the M23. The UK Government has expressed its deep concern about the support of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) to the M23 in offensives that violate the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In response, the UK Government has announced a major reassessment of its policy towards Kigali, including the suspension of the majority of its financial support.

Security Council Resolution 2773, adopted unanimously by its 15 members, calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the M23 and the RDF. It has not yet been implemented. We welcome all the efforts currently being made to find a political solution to this situation.

At a time when the international system based on norms and international law is being called into question, whether in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan or the DRC, leadership is required more than ever.

This leadership must be both courageous and wise, ready to take the necessary difficult measures and brave reforms.

Against this backdrop, there are many reasons to be optimistic about relations between the UK and the DRC.

You’ll see many examples of our collaboration in this garden.

I’m delighted to welcome back some of our Chevening alumni, and even more delighted to announce that we are increasing the number of scholarships available to talented young Congolese leaders to study for a Masters degree, fully funded by the UK, in the UK.

Much of the UK’s work in the country is targeted at communities in the east. For example, new UK funding will provide clean water and sanitation to around 200,000 displaced people, in partnership with UNICEF and the SAFER consortium.

On this day, International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, I would like to underline the priority that the UK Government gives to supporting survivors of sexual violence and fighting impunity. I reiterate my congratulations to the DRC for being the first state in the world to condemn the crime of forced pregnancy. I hope we can work together to provide global leadership on these vital issues in the years ahead.

We congratulate the DRC on its election to the Security Council as of 1 January and look forward to working together on issues crucial to international peace and security.

In the field of health, our partnerships with UNICEF and the WHO are supporting the government’s response to the ongoing Mpox and cholera epidemics, and helping more than 4.4 million Congolese people. I was delighted to meet some Mpox survivors in Kinshasa recently; one young man thought he would never get out of hospital alive because he was so ill. Looking at him today, you’d never guess, he’s so healthy and cheerful.

On climate and the environment, the UK co-chairs the Donor College of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership in the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI). Our new £90 million action programme supports local communities around the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, improving economic livelihoods while preserving forests and nature.

And I’m proud that our programme is also building the DRC’s capacity in climate science in collaboration with British universities.

I would like to salute the work of the Head of State, for his renewed commitment to economic reform. Tangible improvements to the business climate, such as simpler and more predictable procedures and taxation, as well as greater transparency, will attract foreign direct investment and lead to the creation of well-paid jobs.

British companies have shown their interest in the economic potential of the DRC. For example, British International Investment’s investment alongside DP World in the DRC’s first deep-water container port at Banana will open up new infrastructure and international trade opportunities for the country.

As a global centre of mining expertise, trade and finance, the UK is particularly well placed to support the DRC’s ambition to develop its mining sector and bring its critical minerals, which are vital to global economies, to all Congolese.

This evening, I’m delighted that several Congolese companies with links to the UK are here, and in particular several of them have been able to contribute to this fantastic event.

I would like to thank our generous sponsors: Socimex, Rawbank, Vodacom, G4S, Helios Towers, HJ Hospital, Médecins de Nuit, Diageo, Canalbox, Manga Flore Gardening Services, Centre Médical Diamant and BAM’s Clean, without whom this evening would not have been possible.

My thanks also go to my team who work tirelessly, not just for this event, but also for their dedication on a daily basis enabling the Embassy to function well and for us make a difference.

Dear guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Democratic Republic of Congo is an important partner and friend for the United Kingdom. In recent years, the ties of friendship between our two countries have grown stronger. H.E. President Felix Tshisekedi was one of the first heads of state to meet His Majesty King Charles III after his accession to the throne.

We salute the work of H.E. Mrs Judith Suminwa, the first female Prime Minister of the DRC, and all the members of the Government present here today.

My country’s wish is to embark on the next phase of this relationship, working in collaboration with the DRC’s leaders, civil society, businesses and health and climate experts.

I sincerely hope that we’ll get to know each other better and that we’ll achieve even more great things together.

Here’s to the next 123 years of friendship!

Feti malamu (Enjoy the party!)

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

Joint Statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers on Iran and the Middle East.

Joint statement:

We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in The Hague on June 25, 2025, where we discussed recent events in the Middle East.

We reiterate our support for the ceasefire between Israel and Iran announced by U.S. President Trump, and urge all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.

We appreciate Qatar’s important role in facilitating the ceasefire and express our full solidarity to Qatar and Iraq following the recent strikes by Iran and its proxies and partners against their territory. We welcome all efforts in the region towards stabilization and de-escalation.

We reaffirm that the Islamic Republic of Iran can never have nuclear weapons, and urge Iran to refrain from reconstituting its unjustified enrichment activities. We call for the resumption of negotiations, resulting in a comprehensive, verifiable and durable agreement that addresses Iran’s nuclear program.

In order to have a sustainable and credible resolution, we call on Iran to urgently resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as required by its safeguards obligations and to provide the IAEA with verifiable information about all nuclear material in Iran, including by providing access to IAEA inspectors. We condemn calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of IAEA Director General Grossi.

We underscore the centrality of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. It is essential that Iran remains party to and fully implements its obligations under the Treaty.

We reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East. In this context, we reaffirm that Israel has a right to defend itself. We reiterate our support for the security of Israel.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

Minister for Development Baroness Chapman delivers UK national statement at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Seville must be the start of a new chapter in how we finance development and sustainable growth over the next decade.

FFD4 sets out three critical shifts; and the UK will respond.

Firstly, helping countries to raise more of their own revenues.

The UK will support countries to raise more finance domestically, and manage it better, by sharing expertise from our own revenue authority and finance ministry.

And we will work with all partners to take urgent action to tackle unsustainable debt. We cannot do this alone.

We will work through the G20 to strengthen, expand and reform the Common Framework, ensuring timely and predictable relief for debt distressed countries.

We will work with partners to maintain momentum on reforms to the existing debt architecture including to make restructurings quicker and more efficient.

We must also ensure future debt sustainability by pressing for more responsible and transparent lending and borrowing and scaling UK-championed clauses that pause debt repayments when a crisis hits.

The second is on mobilising international finance at scale.

Increasing access to finance from all sources, beyond ODA.

Leveraging and multiplying wherever we can.

We need private capital at a much greater scale in developing countries. We are proud to launch a coalition of governments, finance institutions, and investors at FFD4.

With the aim of mobilising high-quality finance for emerging and developing economies through stock exchanges.

We will work with the UK industry experts to unlock and scale up global institutional capital, develop local currency markets and help to tackle exchange rate risks in developing countries.

I will look at the evidence on the barriers to investment, and if there need to be changes to our regulatory approach, I will need to work with international partners and groups to build a coalition to call for those changes.

And we welcome the ambition to triple the size of MDB financing. This will require stretching balance sheets and using guarantees, but that can only get us so far.

We will also need to inject more capital into some MDBs, which is why the UK supports a capital increase for the World Bank’s IBRD, conditional on reforms.

If agreed, this could unlock billions of dollars annually.

We have heard the call to explore new sources of climate finance. That is why we have committed to and are pushing for agreement on the International Maritime Organisation’s Net Zero Framework.

The third is making the system work better for developing countries.

This means getting behind countries own priorities and plans.

It means putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do.

It also means simplifying and streamlining the aid architecture, so it is easier for countries to engage and access finance.

We must do more through multilateral organisations that pool and multiply resources, and drive reform across the multilateral system to make it faster, more effective and more sustainable.

That is why we are proud to be GAVI’s largest investor, as announced last week at the GAVI replenishment.

It also means creating a fairer system where developing countries have greater voice and participation to shape the outcomes they need.

That is why the UK is calling for more voice and representation for low-income and vulnerable countries in the World Bank and IMF.

And ensuring countries can better handle shocks and build resilience to climate change.

It is unacceptable that only 2% of crisis finance is pre-arranged when 35% of shocks are modellable.

That is why we are launching a global coalition to scale up the use of pre-arranged finance. And we will work with the insurance industry to help deliver this.

I am proud that the UK will be the first country to report and publish our annual pre -arranged finance figures.

This work is urgent and cannot wait.

So let us make Seville a springboard for what can and must come next.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

UK Statement for the High-level Dialogue on the Human Rights Situation in the Central African Republic. This statement was delivered on 1 April 2025 during the 58th session of the HRC in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

We welcome the Central African Republic’s continued cooperation with the Independent Expert. We also welcome recent steps that the country has taken to strengthen its human rights framework, including strengthened judicial independence, the adoption of legislation to protect human rights defenders, and progress on reforming the criminal code.

However, we remain alarmed at the increasing atrocities committed by Wagner group-trained militias, a key driver of the 26% increase of victims of human rights incidents recorded in the Secretary General‘s latest report. We urge the Central African Republic to investigate these reports and incorporate these militias into the formal disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programme to prevent a resurgence in insecurity.

Mr President, as we stated in the Security Council in February, proxies directed by the Russian state plan to interfere with the country’s elections. We encourage authorities to address these malign threats and ensure elections are free, fair, and inclusive.

Mr. Agbetse, implementing the provisions of the 2019 political agreement is the only way to promote sustainable peace. How can the Central African Republic expand state authority while ensuring the inclusion of the signatories of the political agreement?

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 July 2025.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi met in London on 2 July 2025 and reflected on the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership.

Speaking as they met at London’s Guildhall in the margins of the Africa Debate, Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs H.E Musalia Mudavadi said:

As Commonwealth nations, the Republic of Kenya and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland enjoy a deep and vibrant relationship, rooted in our shared history, shared values and set apart by the exceptional talents of our people.

The new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership 2025-2030 will provide a comprehensive framework to progress our shared objectives, strengthening the bilateral relationship and delivering growth for both our countries.

The Partnership will focus on areas of shared interest and strength, including green growth, climate and nature, science and technology, and security and stability. We will be laser-focussed on delivery – creating jobs, enhancing links between our academics, innovators and scientists, and protecting the environment, nature and our people.

Kenya is a gateway to the East African market with over 300 million people with combined GDP of over USD 400 billion (Kshs.52 trillion). UK-Kenya trade is valued at £1.8 billion (Kshs.218 billion). UK companies are among the largest employers in Kenya. This new partnership will deliver £1 billion (Kshs.177 billion) for the UK economy in export finance, engineering jobs and defence manufacturing jobs in Northampton and County Durham.

The Partnership will see Lloyd’s of London enter the Nairobi insurance market as a gateway to the East Africa Market valued up to £0.5 billion (Kshs.88billion).

Over the next five years, Kenya and the UK will deliver on high value investment deals of mutual benefit to both economies.

This includes Nairobi Railway City, a flagship project, which exemplifies what is possible when ambition meets partnership. Railway City is worth up to £150 million (Kshs.26billion) with the potential for 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya. Procurement for construction of the first phase of the project has now launched with opportunities ranging from commercial real estate and hospitality to tech innovation and student housing.

Both countries have agreed to explore a new Digital Trading Agreement and to aim to double trade by 2030 in areas like financial services, digital and technology, and defence and security.

The Kenya and UK governments will further their global leadership on climate and nature through the Partnership, mobilising at least £200 million (Kshs.35billion) for Kenyan climate adaptation, keeping the 1.5 C temperature goal in reach and unlocking green energy transitions and nature-based solutions.

Under science and technology, the Strategic Partnership will harness the potential of science, research, innovation and technology partnerships, including on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, to drive inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development.

Finally, this new strategic partnership will strengthen our joint response to regional terrorism, illicit finance, cyber attacks and organised crime, keeping our people safe.

Through the UK-Kenya Security Compact, which we signed today, both countries will prioritise efforts to reduce irregular migration, and support regional stability. The renewed Compact is designed to address both traditional and emerging security threats. Priorities include tackling risks from digital spaces and new technologies, reducing irregular migration, and countering illicit finance. The partnership will continue to build on its strong foundation, ensuring that previous achievements are sustained and that new challenges are met with a coordinated, forward-looking approach.

This high ambition Strategic Partnership will enable us to go far, together, for a more prosperous and secure future for both our great nations.