Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

The new Government Partnership will drive economic growth across both countries through increased collaboration on infrastructure projects.

Today marks a new era for UK-North Macedonia relations, following the signing of a Government-to-Government Partnership (G2G) which will boost trade and drive economic growth. This Partnership supports the delivery of critical infrastructure projects across various sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology. It will be able to draw on a wide range of support, including technical assistance programmes and up to £5 billion in UK Export Finance support available for projects in North Macedonia.

The formal signing ceremony took place at the historic Old Admiralty Building in London on Thursday 22nd May 2025, with the UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski, in attendance.

This G2G underscores the commitment of both nations to collaborate on critical infrastructure projects that deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. By leveraging the expertise and innovation of both countries, this Partnership will drive the development of resilient infrastructure that fosters growth and prosperity.

The exchange of knowledge and best practice between our two countries will be central to this G2G, drawing from the expertise of both nation’s respective infrastructure fields. This means the UK Government and British businesses working in partnership with the government of North Macedonia and their local supply chain to deliver infrastructure projects across North Macedonia. This approach will generate mutual benefits for both nations through the sharing of innovation to deliver resilient infrastructure that drives growth.

Minister of Exports, Gareth Thomas MP expressed his enthusiasm:

This partnership opens up a new chapter in our bilateral relationship with North Macedonia.

The UK has a wealth of experience in delivering high-quality infrastructure across the world and I am delighted to be kicking off this new partnership that will help more British businesses export to North Macedonia.

The UK Ambassador to North Macedonia, Matthew Lawson said:

We have achieved a significant milestone in the UK – North Macedonia relations with the signing of the Government-to-Government Partnership by UK Minister for Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Aleksandar Nikoloski.

The G2G will further strengthen the already excellent trade ties between our countries and support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects in different sectors, including transport, health, energy, and technology in North Macedonia. As the British Ambassador I am proud that our governments have reached this landmark partnership that will benefit the citizens of both countries. We stand strong and united together.

This G2G builds on a strong existing bilateral relationship between the UK and North Macedonia. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski welcomed a new Strategic Partnership at the European Political Community Summit in Tirana on the 16th May 2025. This G2G represents the start of our enhanced trade and infrastructure collaboration.

Chris Barton, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe also expressed his support:

I am delighted that this G2G will support stronger collaboration across our governments and businesses to deliver economic growth for both our nations and good-quality infrastructure for the citizens of North Macedonia.

Notes to editors:

• government to government (G2G) partnerships are formal arrangements under which we agree to provide another government is provided with access to UK public and private expertise for specific projects or programmes that create commercial benefits
• total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and North Macedonia was £1.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2024
• the UK is North Macedonia’s second largest trading partner in the 4 quarters to the end of Q3 2024

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

The UK underlines appreciation for the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje over the last 12 months, particularly in supporting government reforms.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome back Ambassador Wahl to the Permanent Council. Thank you for the work of your team over the last year, and for your comprehensive and engaging report this morning.

The United Kingdom highly appreciates the work and added value of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and the Mission’s support to government reforms.

The United Kingdom and North Macedonia have developed a strong and supportive bilateral partnership since we established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago. I am delighted that our Prime Minister met with Prime Minister Mickoski during the European Political Community summit last week and announced the new strategic partnership between our two countries. This deepens our mutual commitment to work together on issues of trade and investment, foreign policy, tackling organised crime, infrastructure cooperation and migration.

The UK welcomes the findings of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission that the parliamentary and presidential elections held in North Macedonia last year were competitive and fundamental freedoms were respected, though we note the concerns highlighted over insufficient regulation of the process. We encourage the Government of North Macedonia to continue engagement towards addressing the remaining recommendations in the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report ahead of municipal elections later this year.

The UK positively notes the OSCE Mission’s achievements over the past 12 months, set out clearly in your Report. We particularly welcome your continued engagement to promote social cohesion and community rights, and your support on criminal justice reform – including work in the last 12 months on judicial independence, promotion of fair trial standards and strengthening cooperation with civil society.

The UK is also pleased to note the Mission’s continued commitment to gender equality – particularly your support for women’s political participation, and your engagement with parliament on the adoption of a new Gender Action Plan for 2025-2027.

Mr Chair, it is vital for the work of all OSCE field operations that participating States agree a Unified Budget for 2025 and beyond. As highlighted in the Report, the continued non-agreement of budgets and the resulting forced subsistence on monthly allotments make it very challenging for field missions to deliver across their mandates and adjust to changing priorities. We urge all participating States to engage constructively with upcoming proposals to resolve the impasse over budgets.

Thank you, Ambassador Wahl. Thank you, Mr Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown delivers a joint statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and my own country, the United Kingdom.

The 17th of May marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (known as IDAHOBIT). The theme for this year’s international day was “The Power of Communities.”

We recognise the importance of the political, social and economic contribution made by LGBTI+ people in society, in the workplace, and in the family. And we applaud the vital work of LGBTI+ human rights defenders, civil society organisations, and communities who advocate for LGBTI+ human rights in our own countries and around the world.

We will continue to support cooperation between governments and civil society to promote human rights-compliant measures to tackle discrimination, and uphold fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including in the OSCE.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” – but this is a promise that has not yet been fulfilled for many LGBTI+ people across the world.

We are concerned at the rising levels of stigma, violence and abuse against LGBTI+ people across the OSCE region, particularly against those who are transgender, non-binary, or gender diverse. This is often exacerbated by malicious actors who enable the spread of misinformation online and offline.

We urge all OSCE participating States to protect and respect human rights, and address the needs of all, including LGBTI+people. In particular, we oppose laws and policies that criminalise consensual same-sex relationships, restrict the human rights of LGBTI+ people and exacerbate social stigma, violence and abuse, as well as widening inequality and stalling social and economic development.

Chair. On this IDAHOBIT, we reiterate our solidarity with LGBTI+ communities worldwide, and our steadfast commitment to creating a world in which all LGBTI+ people can be equal, safe and free to live their lives with dignity and respect.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

Ambassador Holland corrects Russia’s claims that the UK wishes to prolong the war in Ukraine. He calls for it to end without delay but explains why the way in which it ends should matter to all OSCE participating States.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  Last week I felt the need to reply to allegations made by our Russian colleagues in this forum that the UK was somehow invested in prolonging their war against Ukraine. I did so because that is genuinely incorrect and I wanted to correct the misrepresentation.  Let me explain in more detail.

The UK does not want this war to continue.  This has been a truly awful conflict. We have seen death, injury and destruction on a scale not witnessed in Europe for eighty years.  I shouldn’t have to repeat this after more than three long years of regularly demanding an end to this war repeatedly in this forum but let me say it again: the UK wants this war to end without delay.  But the way in which it ends should matter to us all. And none of us need a history lesson to know why.

Russia believes it is entitled to a sphere of influence in its neighbourhood, a belief that runs against the letter and spirit of the Helsinki Final Act. It has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as  tools to manipulate and control by dialling up and down the temperature to increase or decrease the levels of political and military instability.  This has to stop. It cannot be allowed to repeat this in Ukraine; both because Russia has no right to do so, but also because it almost guarantees a return to war at some point in the future.

The best insurance against further bloodshed is a peace that offers Ukraine the prospect of genuine security, deters Russia from further aggression and that respects the UN Charter and the commitments we all made in the Helsinki Final Act.  To allow anything else would be to encourage aggression elsewhere. And an erosion of these laws and norms risks instability for us all.  None of us would truly benefit from this outcome, including Russia, even if they fail to see this now.

This is not an attempt to deliver a “strategic defeat” on Russia:  it is neither UK policy nor strategy to seek regime change in Russia.  It is not the UK who launched little green men into Crimea in 2014.  It is not the UK who launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour. And it is not the UK who talks peace but wages war. And just to be really clear, it is not “rabid Russophobia”: we take no issue with the Russian people whose sons and daughters are paying the ultimate price in shockingly high numbers.  This is about supporting Ukraine’s self-defence against an unprovoked attack and about defending the commitments that, if respected, are there to keep us all safe.

We welcome the important contributions that the US and Türkiye have made in moving us towards a just and lasting peace.  The direct talks in Istanbul on 16 May were a first step, and we welcome the agreement between Russia and Ukraine to exchange one thousand prisoners of war each.  But to create space for serious talks, and to bring an end to the killing as quickly as possible, we urge Russia to agree to an immediate, complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, just as Ukraine has done. If Russia does not engage seriously with this process, we are prepared to ratchet up the pressure on Russia with new sanctions, building on our package earlier this week. Not because we want to delay peace, but because we want to pressure Russia to choose peace. For after all, it is Russia’s choice.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 22 May 2025.

The visit underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening Lebanese Army capabilities in extending state authority over its border with Syria.

The British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell visited Lebanon’s eastern borders with Syria to see first hand the UK’s efforts to support the Lebanese Armed Forces’ (LAF) enhanced border security capabilities.

This visit underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening LAF capabilities in extending state authority over its border with Syria, countering smuggling activities, and safeguarding local communities.

During the visit, Ambassador Cowell met with military and local officials. The Ambassador and the Mokhtar of Yanta Riad Saab and other local citizens visited a solar-powered water pumping station as part of initiatives aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation, within areas of operation for the Land Border Regiments (LBRs).

Following his visit Ambassador Cowell said:

The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. Our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces is crucial in helping to maintain stability across Lebanon, and protecting the livelihoods of those living near the border.

I am proud of our support and the UK’s role as a key partner to the LAF; through the UK Integrated Security Fund we have supported the establishment of the Land Border Regiments (LBRs) on the border with Syria since 2013 and have provided over £115m worth of assistance to the LAF.

The Land Border Regiments have helped reinforce the security of this border and the authority of the Lebanese State’s authority over these areas.

In Yanta, I was impressed to see the solar-powered water pumping station project benefiting hundreds in the area. This project delivers a sustainable, environmentally friendly solution to the water supply needs of the Yanta community. An excellent example of the LAF and communities coming together.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, says that despite claiming commitment to peace, Russia has escalated its military aggression by refusing to engage in peace talks, launching record-breaking drone attacks on Ukrainian civilians, and continuing to violate international law.

Thank you, Madame Chair. When Russia initiated its war of aggression on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, there was no doubt about the illegality of this undertaking. The full-scale invasion contravened all the underpinning documents of this organisation to which we are all signatories and violates international law. The responsibility for this illegal military invasion absolutely sits with Russia. However, Russia continues to blame others for prolonging the conflict that they started and continues to accuse others of seeking to ‘gain military superiority’ in a conflict that they initiated.

The UK’s continued and unwavering support to Ukraine is not about achieving military superiority but about defending a sovereign nation under attack. The UK, along with our allies, has consistently emphasised that military aid is in support of Ukraine’s self-defence and aimed at helping Ukraine uphold its territorial integrity in accordance with international law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reiterated that the UK’s goal is peace, not escalation.

In contrast, the Russian Federation insist that they remain committed to a negotiated solution, but their actions say otherwise. While President Zelenskyy travelled to Istanbul on 15th May to attend peace talks, supported by the USA and hosted by Türkiye, in good faith, President Putin refused to the same. On the same day President Putin dodged the possibility for constructive negotiations, his Armed Forces launched 112 drones at Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring civilians. On 17th May, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission confirmed that a Russian drone hit a bus evacuating civilians in Ukraine’s Sumy region, killing nine non-combatants. On 18th May, Russia launched 273 one-way attack (OWA) drones against multiple targets in Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts. This is reportedly the largest wave of uncrewed aerial systems Russia has launched into Ukraine – surpassing the 267 drones launched on 23rd February 2025.

This is not evidence of a genuine commitment to peaceful resolution. This is fundamentally military escalation and an increase in the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. As a result, the UK is further increasing sanctions on Russia as President Putin further intensifies these strikes on Ukrainian civilians. Yesterday we announced the sanctioning of 100 targets across Russian energy, and financial services sectors, the Russian military industrial complex and its third country suppliers, and malign actors involved in democratic interference and Russia’s information war on Ukraine.

At the opening session of the FSC on 14th May, The Russian delegation spoke of the ‘need to increase the effectiveness of the FSC’. We couldn’t agree more. The UK supports the opportunity to pursue the politico-military advantages of the FSC, to encourage enhanced implementation of arms control, and of confidence- and security-building measures. But this is impossible whilst Russia continues to violate the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and broader international law. The UK also agrees with another comment from Russia’s opening address last week that ‘the FSC is not a place for hate speech and incitement to confrontation’. And we would encourage Russia to refrain from disrespectful language in the forum, particularly towards Ukraine, and of spreading disinformation about the intentions of the UK and our allies. We look forward to a constructive trimester.

The UK will continue to play a leading role in accelerating work on Ukraine’s future security, and we strongly urge Russia to commit to an immediate, complete and unconditional 30-day ceasefire to buy the space and conditions for further negotiations. Europe is ready if President Putin chooses the path of peace. Thank you, Madame Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

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

We are encouraged to hear about the UN’s progress in strengthening engagement with the new Syrian Government.

I will make three points today.

First, we welcome President Trump’s announcement of lifting of US sanctions.

This positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.

This follows the UK’s decision in April to lift our own sectoral sanctions on areas including trade, energy production and finance.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and economy.

Second, whilst economic recovery is vital, it must go hand in hand with an inclusive and peaceful transition that reconciles Syria’s diverse groups.

The UK was appalled by the attacks this month against the Druze community in Syria.

There can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition.

We call on all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and ensure the protection of civilians.

We note progress in reconciling Syrian groups into centralised structures.

Existing agreements, including those signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces and with the Druze leadership, should now be implemented in full.

We also call on Israel to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Third, as the new Syrian Government enters its third month, we look forward to seeing a clear timeline for next steps in the political transition.

We welcome and stand ready to support the newly announced National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. Both will help Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering.

This political transition should be inclusive and allow Syrians to have a say in what comes next.

President, in conclusion, the UK stands ready to support the Syrian Government in their next steps on the path towards a more prosperous, peaceful and stable future that the Syrian people deserve.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

Joint statement from the Panel co-chairs, Lord Collins of Highbury, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Government of Somalia.

Joint statement:

“Today marks the first meeting of the High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings. And the beginning of our six-month mandate.

Nearly three-quarters of the world’s extreme poor live in fragile settings, where crises are lasting longer, forcing more people from their homes, and contributing to migration.

When floods, cyclones and droughts hit, when conflict breaks out, when economic shocks destroy livelihoods, social protection can provide a first line of defence, an effective locally led solution that enables the most vulnerable people to withstand, survive, recover from crisis and rebuild their lives at home. One that reduces the need for humanitarian response.

But despite its proven potential, it is often overlooked in the fragile and conflict-affected settings where it is needed most.

Over the next six months, the Panel will gather and review lessons from across sectors and regions – including through a forthcoming global public enquiry. As co-chairs, our goal is to come up with bold, practical recommendations that can drive meaningful change.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

The UK’s National Statement for the WHO’s World Health Assembly. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Vice President,

The UK is committed to supporting WHO and its critical leadership role across global health. Only the WHO has the mandate to set global standards in health.

Even amidst our current challenges, there is a clear opportunity for the WHO to emerge more focused, more agile and more effective. We therefore support the WHO’s vital work on its Transformation Agenda and are pleased to endorse the increase in Assessed Contributions.

Let me thank the DG and WHO staff for their critical work. And let me pay a particular tribute to the staff on the increasingly dangerous front line of health emergencies, from Kyiv to Khartoum, and from Kivu to Khan Younis.

This week’s adoption of the Pandemic Agreement is a truly historic milestone for which we have all worked so hard. We must remain just as committed to tackling Anti-Microbial Resistance, which is already directly responsible for over a million deaths annually.

Chair,

The quality of WHO’s scientific and technical expertise is fundamental to its effectiveness. We are proud in the UK to host 48 WHO Collaborating Centres. We call for Taiwan to have meaningful access to all relevant technical WHO meetings, and for it to be allowed to observe the WHA as it did from 2009 to 2016.

Vice President,

Stronger health systems are at the heart of delivering health services for all and we can – and must – learn from one another. In the UK, we are on the cusp of launching our 10-year health strategy.

We are committed to tackling non-communicable diseases, including the challenge of obesity, and creating a healthier, fairer food environment. We look forward to working together at the High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases.

Vice-President,

In the UK, we are proud to work as partners of the WHO and with our fellow Member States. Working together, we can, must, and will drive better health across the globe.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

The United Kingdom reaffirms commitment to the Kimberley Process and support for its tripartite framework following the 2025 Kimberley Process Intersessional.

The United Kingdom thanks the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting the Kimberley Process Intersessional from 12 to 16 May.

A strength of the Kimberley Process is its tripartite nature, which brings together leading expert voices from governments, local communities and industry.

We reaffirm our commitment to listening to and championing the voice of the Civil Society Coalition in the Kimberley Process and look forward to their contributions to the ongoing review and reform cycle.

We are proud to be a founding member of the Kimberley Process and continue to support the Initiative’s efforts to address the evolving nature of conflicts.

We look forward in particular to continuing collaboration with all Kimberley Process Participants and Observers on broadening the definition of “conflict diamonds”. This will ensure that the Kimberley Process remains relevant to emerging challenges.

The Kimberley Process was designed to ensure that diamonds are not used to finance armed conflict. We regret that to date, the Process has not addressed the implications of Russia’s use of rough diamond revenue to fund their illegal war in Ukraine and will continue to press for this to be on its agenda.