Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 30 May 2025.

Several countries gave a joint statement following the publication of the first report of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT).

Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Republic of Korea, the UK and the USA gave a statement following the publication of the first report of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT):

We, the participating states of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), released today its first report. This multilateral mechanism was established in October 2024 to monitor and report on the implementation of United Nations sanctions measures on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The report is available on the official MSMT website.

The report, which focuses primarily on unlawful DPRK-Russia military cooperation including arms transfers and Russia’s training of DPRK troops, consolidates information provided by MSMT participating states on violations and evasions of sanction measures stipulated in relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs). The report also contains information provided by open source intelligence organizations.

This report is a product of our efforts to address the monitoring gap arising from the disbandment of the UN Security Council’s 1718 Committee Panel of Experts in April 2024 which was caused by Russia’s veto in March 2024. The report will assist with the full implementation of UN sanctions by the international community. The opportunity for dialogue to reestablish the Panel of Experts as a central element of the UN sanctions framework remains open, provided the Panel is restored to the full form it had prior to disbandment.

With the release of the first MSMT report, we underscore once again our shared determination to fully implement relevant UNSCRs. We urge the DPRK to engage in meaningful diplomacy, and call on all states to join global efforts to maintain international peace and security in the face of ongoing threats from the DPRK and those that facilitate its illicit activities in contravention of relevant UNSCRs.

We will continue our efforts to monitor the implementation of UNSCRs on the DPRK and raise awareness of ongoing attempts to violate and evade UN sanctions.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

Colleagues, we convene today to address the situation in Ukraine, as we collectively mourn the lives lost due to Russia’s recent attacks.

This weekend saw two of the largest mass air attacks of the war, back-to-back.

Over three days, Russia launched over 900 drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 30 people and injuring a further 150.

And these deaths were not an accident. Russia’s missile and drone strikes struck major urban centres and densely populated regions.

Over the night of 24 May, among those killed were three children, specifically, three siblings: Stanislav, aged 8, Tamara, aged 12, and Roman, aged 17. Each of them on the edge of a new chapter of childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, all of them robbed of life too soon.

Such acts are a stark reminder of the urgent need to bring this war to an end.

Russia’s attacks are not only sustained, they are worsening. As OHCHR has verified, in the first three months of this year alone, there have been 2,641 civilian casualties. That’s nearly 900 more than during the same period in 2024, and over 600 more than early 2023.

The increased killing of civilians is an affront to our shared values of human dignity and peace.

Values which President Putin claims to share, yet continues to violate.

Putin’s priorities are demonstrated by his timing. These attacks were launched days after talks in Istanbul, in which Russia, yet again, refused to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

Presented with another opportunity for meaningful progress towards peace, Putin chose war.

President, while Ukraine stands ready for an unconditional ceasefire, Russia sustains its aggression. And once again, innocent civilians are paying the price. Russia’s actions speak much louder than its words.

So we call on Russia to comply with international law, including the UN Charter, and to stop the killing of innocent civilians.

Russia’s unrelenting invasion of its sovereign neighbour will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and to use the necessary measures to restrict Putin’s war machine.

We will work in unison with the US, Ukraine, our European and international partners until a just and lasting peace is no longer an aim, but an enduring reality.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland briefs on the outcomes of the UK/EU Summit, which took place on 19 May in London, including the leaders’ commitment to the Helsinki Decalogue and resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Thank you, Chair. On 19 May the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Presidents Von Der Leyen and Costa and High Representative Kallas to Lancaster House, for the first ever Summit between the UK and the EU.  It was an important forward-looking discussion at which our leaders confirmed our steadfast dedication to the fundamental tenets of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. They restated our commitment to the Helsinki Decalogue and to the rules based international order, with the United Nations at its core.

Our leaders stressed our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and underlined our commitment to hold Russia accountable for its aggression.  Our leaders also offered continued support to Moldova and reaffirmed our commitment to the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans.

Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security and against this backdrop the discussion included global and strategic priorities of joint concern and agreement to strengthen cooperation across a range of issues for the security, safety and prosperity of all people across the UK and EU.

During the Summit the UK and the EU reached agreement on a Security and Defence Partnership.  The Partnership is broad and ambitious and will upgrade our cooperation on areas ranging from defence industry, mobility of military material and personnel, maritime security and space security, to illicit finance, irregular migration and working together to protect our critical infrastructure. These are issues relevant to the work that we do each day here in Vienna and our partnership will contribute to our shared security.

Madam Chair, this Summit underpinned the importance of UK and EU cooperation and our new geopolitical partnership that drives closer coordination, builds on our OSCE principles and commitments and will underpin our comprehensive approach to security.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

The UK and Maldives held a second Strategic Dialogue on 28 May 2025 in Malé, Maldives, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

The Second Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK) at the Senior Officials level was held on 28 May 2025 in Malé, Maldives.

Building on the outcomes of the inaugural Strategic Dialogue in 2023, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Maldives-UK partnership through structured and regular engagement. Discussions focused on key thematic areas including economic and trade cooperation, security and defence collaboration, governance, human rights and the rule of law, higher education, visas and immigration, environment and climate change, and regional and multilateral co-operation.

Acknowledging the importance of enhancing economic links to elevate the bilateral partnership, the Maldives and the UK reviewed progress on trade and investment since the first Dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral economic ties. Both sides celebrated the growing trade and investment relationship and discussed further avenues to advance collaboration in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services. Cooperation on customs matters were discussed to facilitate trade.

The UK and the Maldives reiterated their shared commitment towards maintaining regional security, countering terrorism, violent extremism as well as serious and organised crime. The UK reaffirmed its support for capacity-building initiatives, including technical assistance and joint exercises in policing, defence, and maritime security.

Both sides reviewed UK support to governance, criminal justice reform and judicial independence in the Maldives. The UK reiterated its commitment to continue supporting the Maldives in its endeavours to consolidate democratic governance and strengthen human rights, and, welcomed continued dialogue on shared values.

The Maldives and the UK reaffirmed the importance of educational exchange and agreed to explore increasing opportunities for higher education through Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. Recognising the increasing number of Maldivian students travelling to the UK for higher education, the Maldives raised visa and immigration matters, and both sides agreed to continue discussions to facilitate smoother processes for visa issuance.

Both countries recognised the importance of people-to-people exchanges in promoting mutual understanding between the 2 countries. They recognised the increasing numbers of visitor arrivals from the UK to the Maldives, and agreed to explore opportunities to strengthen collaboration at local levels, promote cultural co-operation, and conduct friendly exchanges between the 2 countries.

The UK and the Maldives discussed ongoing collaboration under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme and agreed to strengthen co-operation in marine conservation and climate resilience. Opportunities to co-operate in multilateral climate fora including the forthcoming COP30 were discussed and the key role that Maldives plays amongst Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) was recognised.

The Maldives and the UK exchanged views on regional developments and multilateral co-operation, including within the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to leverage international support towards global issues impacting SIDS.

The Second Strategic Dialogue was convened in a hybrid format. The Dialogue was co-chaired for Maldives by Dr Hala Hameed, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and for the UK by Ben Mellor, Director, India and Indian Ocean Directorate at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office with delegations comprised of senior officials from both governments. The Dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to continue the Strategic Dialogue on an annual basis and to explore other opportunities to support a continued deepening of the bilateral relationship.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes new Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo Gerard McGurk to the Permanent Council, underlining continued support for the work of the Mission amid the difficult political and security context in the last six months.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador McGurk – dear Gerard – to the Permanent Council for the first time as Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. Thank you for your informative presentation on the Mission’s recent work, so soon after your arrival, and to your team for the comprehensive written report.

The United Kingdom welcomes the peaceful and competitive parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February, and the important support provided to the Central Election Commission by the Mission. We continue to underline to Kosovo interlocutors the urgency of government formation.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom shares the concerns highlighted in the Mission report on the level of tensions in the four northern municipalities during the reporting period. We are particularly concerned by the uncoordinated nature of closures of institutions and facilities in northern Kosovo which provide vital services to Kosovo-Serbs and other non-majority communities. The UK will continue to encourage the Government of Kosovo to ensure that non-majority communities can play a full and equal role in the country’s future, and to uphold Kosovo’s commitments as an inclusive and multi-ethnic state.

The UK also underlines the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for all acts of violence. We continue to call on Serbia to cooperate fully with efforts to hold to account those responsible for the 2023 attacks on KFOR troops and in Banjska, and to fulfil its pledge to cooperate in the investigation of the attack on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.

We urge both Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to deliver on their respective obligations, including establishing an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities. It is vital that Kosovo and Serbia abide by their commitments and not renege on Dialogue agreements. Failing to meet these commitments has negative implications for the daily lives of ordinary citizens and for wider stability in the Western Balkans.

The UK commends the work of the OSCE Mission during the last six months across the three core pillars of its mandate. We particularly appreciate the Mission’s focus on electoral support, and continued prioritisation of monitoring and early warning functions. We also value the Mission’s support on human rights and inter-community relations, including on interfaith dialogue and assistance to the Kosovo-Serb community in language and documentation. We welcome ongoing efforts to address challenges to the right to freedom of religion or belief and the preservation of cultural heritage.

While we recognise Kosovo’s progress in tackling corruption and its improved score in Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index, we note with concern the issues highlighted in the World Press Freedom Index on the protection and independence of journalists. We share the concerns highlighted in the Report over political influence in media institutions, and welcome the Mission’s planned activity to advance media freedom and journalist safety.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom is a longstanding and strong supporter of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state. During his visit to Kosovo in early April, my Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and its development of an inclusive, diverse and multi-ethnic democracy. The UK will continue to support stability, security and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans, including through the work of our Special Envoy, Dame Karen Pierce, and hosting the Berlin Process Summit in London this autumn.

Finally, I wanted to again thank you, dear Gerard, for taking on the leadership of the Mission at this critical time. We highly appreciate the continued hard work and expertise of your team, and wish you every success during your time in the role.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s continued attacks against Ukrainian civilians, which are not actions of a government seeking peace, and calls for no effort to be spared in bringing about the release of the three OSCE staff members.

Thank you, Mister Chair. In recent days, Russia has intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. On Friday night, Russia struck apartment buildings and other targets in Kyiv, in one of the largest attacks since the start of its illegal invasion. Only 24 hours later, Kyiv was struck again in an even larger strike. Across Ukraine, 12 civilians were killed on Saturday night, including three siblings in Zhytomyr, aged 8, 12 and 17. More innocent lives denied by Russia’s senseless war.

President Putin’s claim that he is ready for peace is not borne out by his actions. In the more than two months since Ukraine agreed, in-principle, to the US proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, President Putin has continued to dither and delay. He announced two unilateral, three-day ‘pauses’ during which his armed forces continued to target Ukrainian cities. And he ignored the opportunity for substantive talks in Istanbul, instead sending a delegation with no real mandate to negotiate.

In contrast, President Zelenskyy demonstrated real leadership by expressing readiness to engage at the leaders’ level, even as President Putin refused a ceasefire that would create the space for talks.

The Russian State has shown time and time again that its actions are not those of a government seeking peace. And while we welcome the recent prisoner swaps, Russia’s failure to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire – as Ukraine has done – is holding up further humanitarian outcomes, including the return of Ukrainian children it has forcibly displaced. These outcomes are critical to achieving a peace that is just and lasting.

Mr Chair, it is not ‘anti-Russian’ to call for an end to the devastation and loss of life in Ukraine. Doing so is to stand up for the principles set out in the Helsinki Final Act, and to adhere to international law, including the UN Charter. Delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine in its defence. And we will continue working with our partners to ratchet up pressure on President Putin to end his war.

Mister Chair, it is with great regret that I must again raise the cases of Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov. All three were members of the Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. They have been unlawfully deprived of their liberty for more than three years by the Russian Federation and its proxies in Ukraine. Their continued detention is a grave injustice and a flagrant violation of international law and the Helsinki Final Act.

These individuals were carrying out a mission mandated by every participating State in this room – including Russia. The UK urges all parties to leave no stone unturned in securing their immediate release. Our thoughts remain with them and their families.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 29 May 2025.

The UK and EU welcome progress on Viet Nam’s Just Energy Transition Partnership as President Macron of France visits the country.

On behalf of the International Partners Group (IPG), the European Union and the United Kingdom – IPG co-leads for the Viet Nam Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) – warmly welcome French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Viet Nam, reaffirming support for Viet Nam’s goal to deliver a clean energy transition that is inclusive and rooted in sustainable growth on the pathway to ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050.

On 26th May, President Macron and President Lương Cường announced progress on two important JETP-supported investment projects:

• A Credit Financing Agreement between Electricity of Vietnam National Power Transmission Corporation (EVN NPT) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) of €67 million to build a 500kV transmission line and substations across the Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. This project will increase the national transmission network’s capacity to integrate renewable energy and deliver reliable electricity in key economic regions in southern Viet Nam.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EVN and AFD as coordinator of six IPG Development Finance Institutions (AFD, EIB, JICA, KfW, CDP, and Proparco) and the EU, acknowledging €490 million for the construction of the first 1200 MW Pumped Storage Hydropower project in Vietnam located in Bac Ai, Ninh Thuan province. This large-scale energy storage project will improve grid resilience and enable further integration of variable renewable energy sources into Vietnam’s energy mix. This pilot project also contributes to the development of regulatory, financial, and investment approaches, paving the way for related future partnerships.

France’s and IPG’s €547 million financial contribution to these two flagship energy transition projects marks an important step towards delivering the public finance commitments under the JETP.

The EU and UK remain fully committed to the JETP as co-leads, working with Viet Nam as it continues to raise ambitions for tackling emissions, limiting coal and increasing the share of renewables as set out in the recently revised of National Power Development Plan (PDP8).

In addition to mobilising project-specific finance, the IPG will continue to engage closely with the Government of Viet Nam, the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), and wider JETP partners, to promote a strong enabling policy environment for developers and investors that drives Viet Nam’s future green growth ambition.

What is the JETP ?

The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) is a cooperation initiative and related Political Declaration agreed in December 2022 between Viet Nam and the International Partners Group (IPG; now comprised of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark and Norway, and co-led by the EU and the UK. The overarching goal is to support the country’s energy transition trajectory towards its 2050 net zero emissions commitment. The JETP Political Declaration consequently sets out 3 main targets:

1. Accelerate and cap the peaking of GHG emissions from the power sector at 170 million tons of CO₂ equivalent by 2030;
2. Limit the installed capacity of coal-fired power plants to 30.2 gigawatts by 2030;
3. Increase the share of renewable energy in the power mix to 47% by 2030, promoting investments in wind, solar, and other clean energy sources.

In support of these targets, the JETP partners secured original funding commitments of $15.5 billion, including $7.5 billion public sector finance from IPG members (grants, concessional and commercial loans and instruments) and $7.5 billion private sector finance facilitated by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

JETPs are also being implemented to support the energy transitions in South Africa, Indonesia and Senegal.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 May 2025.

On their first official visit to London, Deputy Chief of Staff Jorge Díaz and Interior Minister Carlos Negro held meetings related to justice and security.

The main objective of the visit was to learn from experiences that will contribute to discussions on the creation of a Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Uruguay.

Between May 20 and 23, 2025, they met with government officials, academics, private sector companies, and non-governmental organizations, including two roundtables on cybersecurity and the space industry, in which more than 12 local counterparts participated. Additionally, they visited Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice, the London Magistrates’ Court, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Ambassador Mal Green stated:

The purpose of this invitation from the British government is to share experiences, ideas, challenges, and lessons learned to support the planning that the Uruguayan government is undertaking for the creation of its Ministry of Justice, as well as to exchange views on a priority for both countries: security.

I trust that the connections established will continue to deepen in the coming months through future virtual and in-person meetings, training, and technical cooperation.

Deputy Secretary Díaz expressed being pleasantly surprised by the level of pragmatism and professionalism with which security-related public policies and the Ministry of Justice operate in the United Kingdom, according to the official Presidency website.

The activity agenda included meetings with Lords who were involved in the formation of this Ministry, created in 2007, and its leadership, as well as with current authorities such as the Undersecretary of Justice, Lord Frederick Ponsonby. Frederick Ponsonby is a relative of John Brabazon Ponsonby, a British diplomat who played a decisive role in the independence of Uruguay in 1828.

This was the first official visit of authorities from Yamandú Orsi’s government to the United Kingdom, further strengthening the historical relationship and collaboration between both countries, which now spans nearly two centuries.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 May 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East.

I thank Special Coordinator Sigrid Kaag and Dr Sidwah for their briefings today, which painted a catastrophic picture.

Let me pay tribute to you and to your humanitarian and health worker colleagues working tirelessly to alleviate this suffering.

I will make three points.

First, the UK has always supported Israel’s right to defend itself. It suffered a heinous attack by Hamas on 7 October, and hostages have been through an unimaginable ordeal. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release and accountability for those responsible.

But as my Prime Minister has said, we strongly oppose the Israeli Government’s escalating military action in Gaza which is wholly disproportionate.

An immediate ceasefire, not more bloodshed, is the way to secure the release of the hostages and stop the endless cycle of violence.

Second, as we have heard again today, the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. Civilians face starvation, displacement and trauma.

The UN warned of the risks from the Israeli Government’s plan for aid delivery. In Rafah yesterday, we saw this warning become a reality. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation lost control of its distribution centre, with multiple casualties reported and great distress for those desperately seeking aid.

In contrast, the UN has a clear plan to deliver lifesaving aid at scale. It contains robust mitigations against aid diversion. Brave humanitarians stand ready to do their jobs. 9,000 trucks wait at the border.

Our message to Prime Minister Netanyahu is clear: let aid in and enable the UN to operate, now.

We reiterate our support for the UN, OCHA and all its aid agencies.

We also reject the Israeli Government’s unacceptable intention to take control of the Gaza Strip. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.

Third, President, in the West Bank, violent settlers continue to assault and abuse Palestinians, forcing entire communities to flee. In Jerusalem, provocative visits to Holy Sites and inflammatory language by Israeli ministers are adding to the tensions.

On 20 May, the UK announced further sanctions on individuals and entities promoting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

We will continue to act against those committing these abuses.

President, the UK will not give up on a two-state solution, and we will continue to work closely with France, Saudi Arabia and all our partners towards a successful conference in June, which moves us towards this goal.

And finally, let me finish by condemning the horrific murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington DC last week, and offering condolences to their families and to their colleagues.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 28 May 2025.

UK Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, says that in line with the OSCE Code of Conduct, the UK will continue to support Ukraine towards achieving a just and lasting peace, while continuing to urge Russia to return to full compliance – including withdrawing to within its own internationally recognised borders.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for hosting this FSC Security Dialogue on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. Thank you also to the distinguished speakers for their interventions.

My statement today will focus on the purpose of the Code, which democratic control is designed to ensure implementation of. Namely, the commitment of States to abide by the Helsinki Final Act and to respond when these principles are breached in the OSCE region.

As per paragraph 1 of the Code, the “implementation in good faith of all commitments” are of “fundamental importance for stability and security”, and “consequently constitute a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all of them”. As we know, the Code spells these commitments out. Commitments such as “respect for each other’s sovereign equality and individuality”. Such as “the right freely to choose its own security arrangements … to belong or not to belong to … treaties of alliance”.

The Code explicitly states: “No participating State will attempt to impose military domination over any other participating State”. This includes not stationing armed forces in the territories of other States without a freely negotiated agreement … in accordance with international law.

Madam Chair, as detailed at the weekly FSC, Russia remains in breach of multiple commitments in the OSCE’s Zone of Application. Namely in Moldova, in Georgia and in Ukraine.

The Code is clear about what States must do in response: “In the event of armed conflict, they will seek to facilitate the effective cessation of hostilities and seek to create conditions favourable to the political solution of the conflict.” It adds that States are determined to “act in solidarity if CSCE norms and commitments are violated” and to “facilitate concerted responses”. It provides that States will: “consult promptly … with a participating State seeking assistance in realizing its individual or collective self-defence”. It also provides that States will “consider jointly the nature of the threat and actions that may be required in defence of their common values.”

In line with Code, we support Ukraine to defend itself, in line with the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act principles. In line with the Code, we commend Ukraine’s steadfast commitment to reaching a just and lasting peace. And in line with the Code, we keep on calling on Russia to withdraw fully and unconditionally, from the whole territory of Ukraine, to inside its internationally recognised borders. And to return to the path of peace, starting with an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.