Tag: Foreign Office

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.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

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

Thank You Mr Vice President,

We commend Fiji’s engagement with the UPR process.

We welcome Fiji’s establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote healing, truth telling and national unity. The UK is pleased to have provided legal and communications assistance to support these efforts.

The UK recognises the emphasis Fiji places on freedom of expression and assembly. We encourage Fiji to go further, to ensure a safe civic space for all Fijians to challenge and protest, strengthening democratic accountability.

We welcome Fiji’s openness to engage with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and hope they will be able to visit soon.

We also welcome Fiji’s commitment to countering gender-based and domestic violence. Fiji’s Action Plan and the police’s enhanced policies in this regard are reassuring. We encourage Fiji to continue monitoring this issue and to ensure the process delivers from investigation through to sentencing.

We note the measures in place to counter human-trafficking, and encourage Fiji to build on these, in particular to ensure an effective enforcement mechanism.

We look forward to Fiji’s continued progress through subsequent reviews.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

UK Statement at Norway’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Ambassador to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

State Secretary, a very warm welcome to you and your delegation both from Oslo and here from Geneva. Thank you for bringing the spark of the land of Midnight Sun, beautiful Fjords and magical Northern Lights.

Thank you to the WTO Secretariat, as ever, for their report. Thank you, Chair, for your introductory comments. Thank you to our distinguished discussant for his insightful comments. I thought your final point about the value shown by the Norwegian case, but obviously a much broader point about institutions, is a very worthwhile one.

Thank you, also, to the government of Norway for piloting the new Trade Policy Review portal. We were particularly pleased to see it come to life given that we have our own TPR coming up later this year so we may see it in use again.

Report Analysis

1. Chair, the reports highlight Norway’s extraordinary economic resilience, keeping up its very high GDP per capita level despite the challenges of COVID-19 and the rest.
2. Its transformation into a high-income, knowledge-based economy, for us, reflects the power of open trade and strategic investment. The World Bank says that international trade accounts for over 80% of its GDP, which is remarkable.
3. Between 2018 and 2024, foreign trade rose steadily. Imports grew from over 700 billion Norwegian Krone to over one trillion Krone, and exports from just over one trillion Krone to almost two trillion Krone. Extraordinary figures. Excluding oil, gas, ships and drilling platforms, traditional goods trade rose by about 50% and services trade by 110%.
4. Testimony, if I may say, State Secretary, to your commitment to open trade and investment, but also the rewards of that commitment.

Digitoll

1. As noted in our Advance Written Questions, we’re particularly interested in the Digitoll customs declaration system, set for full rollout next year.
2. We very much welcome its aim to automate customs proceedings and speed up clearances, especially given imports represent over 40% of Norway’s GDP.
3. We look forward to further details and we wish you every success with that rollout.

Bilateral Relationship

1. Bilaterally, Chair, our relationship with Norway is exceptionally close. So close, in fact, that the Norwegian Prime Minister described us as ‘best friends’ during our own Prime Minister’s visit in May. As somebody who has been around in the diplomatic service for a few years, I have never seen it so strong. And we have had several ministerial visits just in the last 12 months.
2. And this relationship also extends to trade. In 2024, Norway was the UK’s 12th largest trading partner with total trade valued at over £38 billion.
3. Our UK-EEA/EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2021, is one of the UK’s most modern and comprehensive. This FTA is not only a successful deal for businesses in both countries but also provides our governments with the opportunity for regular dialogue on trade, which we very much appreciate.
4. Our Strategic Partnership, signed in December last year, adds further depth and breadth, particularly in priority sectors such as energy.
5. In May, we welcomed our Green Industrial Partnership, which reflects our unique energy relationship across the North Sea. And just last week, in our newly published and elegant Trade Strategy, we committed to build on that bilateral partnership, underscoring its importance for our shared clean energy goals.

Gender

1. Chair, our countries also share a commitment to gender equality in trade.
2. We welcome Norway’s efforts, including through its board composition requirements for limited liability companies. As one of the three co-chairs of our Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender here, let me commend Norway’s participation in that group, and encourage it to continue sharing its valuable practices here at the WTO.

WTO Engagement

1. Which brings me last, but by no means least, to Norway’s exemplary commitment to the multilateral trading system and to this organisation.
2. Like others, I must start by paying tribute to my colleague, true friend of the system and multi-hatted Norwegian colleague, Petter Ølberg. DSB Chair, DS Reform Facilitator, General Council Chair; his personal commitment to this organisation is clear as is his track record of success.
3. Petter, your leadership as GC Chair was genuinely inspiring. And we agree with your final message to all of us: real dialogue and real reform are essential to the future of this organisation.
4. So, we are thrilled that you have been appointed as Reform Facilitator. As outlined in our Trade Strategy we remain a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system but we agree there is an urgent need for reform.
5. And so we welcome Norway’s participation in key WTO plurilateral initiatives, including the JSIs on Services Domestic Regulation, Electronic Commerce, and Investment Facilitation for Development. I think they reflect your forward looking approach, State Secretary, to modernising global trade rules and are a key part of those reform efforts.
6. We applaud your ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and encourage your continued leadership.
7. And your leadership on trade and environment is particularly commendable, where you have consistently championed ambitious and constructive engagement.
8. Like the UK, as you said at the beginning, State Secretary, our two countries see trade policy as an enabler of the vital move to net zero. Our new Trade Strategy supports this, as it underlines that we would like to go further with Norway and others to “go further and faster in the transition to net zero”.
9. And finally, on trade and development, your leadership and advocacy for the interests of developing countries is appreciated right across this organisation. As fellow donors, we have worked closely together, and will continue to do so, including through our support for the Advisory Centre on WTO Law and as Board members of the Enhanced Integrated Framework, to help ensure the proper participation of developing countries in the multilateral trading system.

Conclusion

So, to conclude, State Secretary, keep up the good work! Keep up being an example to all of us.

As this is my last Trade Policy Review, let me say that it has been a real pleasure to end with such a close trading partner and genuine friend as well as a good neighbour. Trade Policy Reviews, Chair, are fundamental to transparency and the good working of this organisation. And I know my successor, Kumar Iyer, and our team, are looking forward to our own first TPR later this year.

‘Tusen takk’ to you, State Secretary, and your team for your full and transparent engagement with this TPR, yet another example of your continued commitment to this organisation. Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

The UK and Kenya have agreed new deals to bolster the economic and security partnership between the 2 countries.

• trade and investment deals agreed during the visit will contribute over £1bn to the UK economy and create UK jobs in engineering, defence industries, technical and advisory services, and financial services
• the UK and Kenya will also increase collaboration to tackle organised crime, human trafficking and illicit finance through the UK-Kenya Security Compact
• the UK and Kenya will commit to a new Strategic Partnership as Kenyan President Ruto visits London

The UK and Kenya will commit to working together to drive economic growth, protect climate and nature, foster collaboration in science and technology and strengthen regional security.

During a visit to the UK by the President of Kenya, a pipeline of trade and investment deals worth over £1 billion to the UK economy were agreed which will deliver on this government’s commitment to boost jobs and prosperity back in the UK, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

This includes the launch of a tender for a major urban redevelopment project in Nairobi which has been inspired by the regeneration of London’s Kings Cross.

The Nairobi Railway City project has already provided opportunities to UK businesses with British architecture firm Atkins UK chosen to design the central rail station and public square.

The Government of Kenya is exploring funding the project through finance mobilised by the UK’s Export Credit Agency, UK Export Finance, which will create UK jobs in engineering, technical and legal services.

Both countries also agreed stronger cooperation to disrupt the air, land and sea routes used by organised crime groups to prevent illegal migrants transiting through Kenya in attempts to reach Libya and other countries before travelling on to Europe. Four of the top 10 countries for Small Boat arrivals in the UK are near neighbours of Kenya (Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia).

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

Through our shared history and values the UK and Kenya have always had a close connection.

Now we are building a shared future; a modern, innovative and respectful partnership which is delivering real benefits – boosting growth and creating jobs for both Kenyans and the British people. We’re going far, together.

The UK and Kenya have also committed to increased defence and counter terrorism collaboration, including joint training and the creation of a new counter insurgency, terrorism and stability operations centre.

Defence sales worth over £70 million were agreed during the visit supporting manufacturing jobs in County Durham, Northamptonshire and Surrey. Kenya hosts the UK’s most significant military footprint in Africa, including a facility that trains 3,000 UK troops a year.

The UK’s world leading financial services sector will also benefit. Lloyd’s of London will announce today that they will be joining the Nairobi International Finance Centre, which will deepen the partnership between 2 leading financial centres providing access to up to £500 million of insurance market potential in Kenya and the East Africa region.

The two countries also committed to explore the potential of a bilateral digital trade agreement. Dubbed ‘Silicon Savannah’, the value of Kenya’s tech sector is projected to reach £11.5 billion by 2032.

A digital trade agreement will open up opportunities in the sector for UK PLC.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 July 2025.

Ahead of Euro 2025 kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign Office is providing fans with the information and advice they need for a safe and enjoyable tournament.

With thousands of supporters expected to follow reigning champions England and major-tournament newcomers Wales when the Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off tomorrow, the Foreign Office has issued top tips to help fans have a safe and enjoyable tournament in Switzerland.

Advice for fans travelling to the 8 different stadiums hosting matches across the country includes: checking travel advice, signing up to email alerts for the latest developments, ensuring your passport meets entry requirements, and getting travel insurance before you go

The UK will also have a consular presence in Switzerland throughout the tournament, to support those British nationals requiring help or advice.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The Women’s Euros promises to be a spectacular event with legions of fans travelling to multiple locations across Switzerland to enjoy the matches. Together with in-country consular support, we’ve put together some practical advice to help people have a safe and enjoyable trip and get behind our home teams.

Lionesses Head Coach Sarina Wiegman said:

We know thousands of you will be planning on travelling to Switzerland. Trips like this are a really big commitment and we understand the sacrifices our travelling support will be making. We thank you and please know your loyalty and passion will never be taken for granted by myself and the players.

We wish everyone a fantastic experience and hope it is a summer to remember.

Specifically fans travelling to Switzerland are advised to:

• check travel advice for Euro 2025 and sign up to Switzerland travel advice email updates for all the latest information
• read support for British nationals abroad guidance on staying safe abroad and help that the FCDO can provide
• make sure your passport meets the entry requirements for Switzerland
• get travel insurance, to ensure you are protected when travelling

In 2024, UK Women’s Sport attracted audiences of over 44.17 million, an increase of nearly 40% in just 2 years, with global revenues predicted to have risen by 240% in 4 years.

The government is driving progress across women’s sport, which in addition to improving access for women and girls across the country is also helping to boost economic growth and deliver on our Plan for Change.

On 21 March, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced an investment of £100 million to fund grassroots facilities throughout the UK. £98 million of this will support projects in 2025 to 2026.

Wales Office Minister and Equalities Minister Nia Griffith said:

Along with hundreds of other supporters across Wales I will be travelling to Switzerland this month to cheer on our fantastic women’s team as they take part in a major tournament for the very first time.

I wish the squad and staff the very best of luck and Wales fans should follow advice and prepare for their trip so they can fully enjoy this historic and ground-breaking moment for Welsh football.

Fan Engagement Executive at Football Association of Wales, Macsen Jones said:

As Cymru prepare to make history with our first-ever appearance at the UEFA Women’s EURO, thousands of our supporters will be travelling to Switzerland to cheer them on.

The FAW has been working closely with the FCDO to provide up-to-date travel advice, helping ensure that our fans stay safe and well-informed while supporting Cymru this summer.

As a Euro match ticket holder, fans can travel from anywhere in Switzerland to the stadium and back on the day of your match for free, with the offer valid for the entire Swiss public transport network. Additionally, every host city will host a Fan Zone to provide entertainment beyond the 90 minutes of football.