Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

The UK is stepping up its efforts to safeguard national security by leveraging AI to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic.

• UK working with allies to tackle growing threats in the Arctic, and drive forward an ambitious new UK-Norway defence agreement
• New scheme to improve monitoring capability in High North to detect hostile activity, enshrining the UK’s security – the foundation of the Plan for Change
• UK sanctions have halted Putin’s plans to station a floating repair dock in the Arctic to service the precious icebreakers fleet.

The UK is stepping up its efforts to safeguard national security by leveraging AI to detect hostile state activity in the Arctic, the Foreign Secretary will announce during a visit to the Arctic today (27 May 2025).

As the UK’s two nearest Arctic neighbours and close NATO allies, what happens around Norway and Iceland affects Britain, especially our national security, the foundation of this government’s Plan for Change.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy will see first-hand how British and Norwegian ships jointly patrol the high seas of the Arctic to detect, deter and manage increasingly sophisticated subsea threats to energy, critical national infrastructure, and security posed by Russia’s Northern Fleet.

This comes after the Prime Minister visited Norway earlier this month for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force, where he discussed further support for Ukraine with allies from the Baltic and Scandinavian states.

While in Iceland, the Foreign Secretary will announce a new UK-Iceland scheme to use cutting edge AI technology to monitor hostile activity in the region.

As global temperatures rise and ice caps continue to melt, previously inaccessible shipping routes are opening up. This is leading to the Arctic becoming an increasingly contested area, with countries looking to exploit new reserves of gas, oil and natural minerals, fuelling security concerns.

Areas close to the Arctic are also being used by Russia’s nuclear-powered icebreakers which are crucial to Putin’s High North ambitions, clearing paths for tankers helping fund his illegal war in Ukraine. This threatens maritime security and the environment, as Putin has resorted to using dodgy and decaying vessels which frequently break down increasing the risk of oil spills.

UK sanctions have helped halt Putin’s plans to station a floating repair dock in the Arctic to service the precious icebreakers fleet.

A tug boat – the Vengery – had been due to tow the platform, but its journey to the High North has now been halted after being sanctioned last week.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

The Arctic is becoming an increasingly important frontier for geopolitical competition and trade, and a key flank for European and UK security.

We cannot bolster the UK’s defence and deliver the Plan for Change without greater security in the Arctic. This is a region where Russia’s shadowfleet operates, threatening critical infrastructure like undersea cables to the UK and Europe, and helping fund Russia’s aggressive activity.

It’s more important than ever that we work with our allies in the High North, like Norway and Iceland, to enhance our ability to patrol and protect these waters. That’s why we have today announced new UK funding to work more closely with Iceland, using AI to bolster our ability to monitor and detect hostile state activity in the Arctic.

Norway has hosted British troops’ Arctic training for more than fifty years. Our long history of defence collaboration is being taken further through a strategic agreement to strengthen both nations’ security.

David Lammy will be the first Foreign Secretary to travel to one of the Arctic’s northernmost inhabited points when he visits the Archipelago of Svalbard witnessing how UK scientists are collaborating with Norway and partners to tackle climate change which is driving new geo-political challenges and opening new frontiers for state competition.

Today, this work is being taken further, with new opportunities for early-career researchers on polar research vessels and at Ny Ålesund, where British scientists have been based for over 30 years. £400,000 of UK funding will support work to understand the impact of climate change and how it affects the UK – ensuring we have resilience against its effects. This follows 21 joint research projects made between the UK and Iceland during the past 18 months to strengthen our understanding of the arctic’s future.

During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will highlight the UK’s role in securing NATO’s northern flank and protecting the region’s critical undersea infrastructure such as cables and pipelines which are crucial for stable energy supplies and telecommunications in the UK.

Earlier this year the Prime Minister announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War as a result of the changing global picture, now reaching 2.5% of GDP by April 2027, and with an ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament subject to economic and fiscal conditions.

Maritime security and the Arctic also feature in the UK’s ambitious new Security and Defence Partnership with the EU agreed last week, committing to work together to make Europe safer.

In Iceland, the Foreign Secretary will visit Keflavik Air Base, where RAF jets have supported NATO air policing missions, ensuring the safety and security of Arctic airspace. He will learn how Icelandic scientists are working with their British counterparts to address climate change in vulnerable countries around the world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

The UK has delisted sanctions against 4 individuals, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).

The UK announces the delisting of sanctions against individuals Owen Ncube, Isaac Moyo, Godwin Matanga, Anselem Sanyatwe, and the entity Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).

The revocations follow a similar move from the European Union in February 2025, when they delisted their last remaining entity (ZDI) whilst renewing their existing Zimbabwe sanctions framework. The US also removed a number of designations in March 2024.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

Ms Helena Owen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Chad in succession to Mr Ross Matthews who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Owen will take up her appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Helena Owen

Year	Role
2023 to 2025	FCDO, Deputy Head of Unit (Sudan), Sahel, Sudan and South Sudan Department
2021 to 2023	Abidjan, Development Counsellor
2020 to 2021	FCDO, Team Leader, NGO COVID-19 response, then Deputy Head, Humanitarian Response Group
2019 to 2020	DFID/FCO/DIT, Head of Briefing Hub, UK-Africa Investment Summit
2017 to 2019	Abuja, Head of Conflict, Stability and Security Fund West Africa
2014 to 2017	Libya Office in Tunis, HMG Libya Programme Representative, then Head of Libya Programmes
2013 to 2014	New York, UK Mission to the UN, Senior Policy Adviser, Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation
2011 to 2013	DFID, G20 Team Leader and France Desk Officer, Global Partnerships’ Department
2004 to 2010	HM Treasury, Various posts

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 May 2025.

The UK FCDO granted $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project to support economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Belize.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) of Belize, the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF), and The Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), proudly highlights the achievements and upcoming milestones of the Livelihoods Strategy and Action Plan (LSAP) under the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF).

The UK FCDO provided a grant of $32 million to the UKCIF Coastal Road Upgrading Project. Via LSAP, this aims to build economic resilience and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in Gales Point Village and Mullins River Village in Belize.

Key achievements to date include:

• formalization and registration support for 80 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), including 43 female-owned and 37 male-owned businesses
• entrepreneurial development training for 72 participants of which 59 completed the certification
• an upcoming Buy Belizean exhibition in Dangriga Town on June 14, 2025, featuring 14 MSMEs and 6 formalization and support agencies

On May 24, 2025, a certificate ceremony was held at Gales Point Village Primary School to recognize the accomplishments of 59 participants who completed the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. This training focused on sustainable, community-based business development and was facilitated by BELTRAIDE through its Small Business Development Centre (SBDCBelize).

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2025.

Fabian Hamilton, United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy for Southern Cone, visited Paraguay for the first time.

UK Trade Envoy for Southern Cone Fabian Hamilton visited Paraguay and met with Paraguayan authorities and stakeholders to explore new partnership opportunities in sectors including trade, investment, sports, clean energy, and sustainable development.

The visit demonstrates the UK’s commitment to its Plan for Change by enhancing international relationships that create mutual economic benefits.

Hamilton’s designation as Trade Envoy for the Southern Cone reflects the UK’s renewed focus on Latin America, a region with high potential for bilateral trade growth.

“Delighted to welcome the British Parliament’s Trade Envoy to the Southern Cone to Paraguay. His visit marks an important step towards strengthening trade relations and exploring new partnership opportunities”, expressed Danielle Dunne, British Ambassador to Paraguay

The visit explored several sectors where British expertise can support Paraguay’s sustainable development goals while creating new export opportunities for UK businesses.

The UK is actively broadening its diplomatic presence worldwide as part of its effort to enhance trade relationships and British interests globally. Paraguay represents an important market within the Southern Cone region, where the UK seeks to increase commercial engagement as part of its broader international trade strategy.

The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme is a network of parliamentarians integral to supporting the government’s growth mission by providing additional international trade and investment support to ministers.

There are 32 Trade Envoys covering 79 markets across 6 continents who engage on substantial trade opportunities identified by government. They will play a crucial role in supporting the Department for Business and Trade’s growth priorities, in particular through helping deliver the industrial and trade strategies and attracting foreign direct investment to every region in the UK. They complement the work of our Ambassadors, High Commissioners and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners in their respective markets.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

Statement by Stephen Hickey, Director for Middle East and North Africa in the FCDO, at the Preparatory meeting of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

In addition to co-chairing Working Group Five on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction in Gaza with our Egyptian colleagues, the UK is also looking forward to engaging across all the working groups.

I would like to set out three priority areas where the UK thinks this Conference can have real impact in moving us closer to achieving a Two-State Solution.

First, the Palestinian Authority. To achieve a sovereign and unified Palestinian State living in peace and security with Israel, we need to provide support to the Palestinian Authority so that it can effectively govern the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This includes financial and technical assistance, as it delivers vital reforms.

We should also explore how to strengthen support for Palestinian Authority fiscal and trade reforms, especially under the PA-EU reform framework, with the aim of restoring the Palestinian Authority’s economic viability.

Second, security. Through Working Group Two, we have an important opportunity to consider how we can ensure long-term security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We should use this to build international consensus on the transitional security and governance arrangements for the future of Gaza, without Hamas, that can lay the ground for sustainable peace in the region.

Third, we should use the conference to consider concrete measures for safeguarding the Two-State Solution and upholding international law. This should include concrete measures to oppose illegal settlement activities and any attempts at annexation.

For its part, the UK has announced a series of sanctions targeting those responsible for supporting, inciting and promoting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.

In addition to these three important themes, we must continue to press for an immediate and rapid increase in humanitarian aid delivery and distribution in Gaza. And we must also support the efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and achieve a long-term political solution.

This is the best and only way to ensure lasting prosperity and stability in the region.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

Statement by Stephen Hickey, Director for Middle East and North Africa in the FCDO, at the Preparatory meeting of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

I’d also like to express the UK’s thanks to Saudi Arabia and to France for your excellent leadership in steering our preparations for this high-level conference at the UN.

We are delighted to be co-chairing the Working Group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction with Egypt.

The Working Group has three main goals.

First, as the Egyptian Ambassador has just set out, we want to mobilise support for the Arab/Islamic Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development.

The plan sets out a realistic path for the reconstruction of Gaza and, if implemented, promises swift and sustainable steps to improve the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza.

We strongly encourage all delegations ahead of the Conference in June to consider what concrete measures or commitments you can make to provide financial, technical, and capacity-building support to the plan, and to empower the Palestinian Authority to lead it.

Of course, recovery and reconstruction efforts must also be based upon a solid political and security framework, which provides peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike.

We therefore encourage delegations to consider what enabling elements, including financial, governance and security arrangements, are required. We urgently need to get these in place so that reconstruction efforts are sustainable, inclusive, and can support longer-term peace.

Second, our Working Group will look to identify how we can address the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

As my Prime Minister said this week, the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.

Humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip has been completely blocked or severely restricted since 2 March, and the entire population is at risk of famine according to the latest IPC report of 12 May. Meanwhile, hostages continue to be held in appalling conditions.

The Secretary-General has been clear that the entry of humanitarian assistance must be restored immediately with UN agencies allowed to work in full respect of humanitarian principles.

The UK has allocated $135 million this year to support the OPTs, including to provide humanitarian relief and support for Palestinian economic development.

Our working group will explore how we can ensure sufficient funding of the response, and the steps that can be taken to ensure it is consistent with humanitarian principles and with International Humanitarian Law. This includes the needs of the most vulnerable groups.

Third and finally, UNRWA delivers essential services and life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees in the OPTs and in the region. It is indispensable. That is why in the last financial year, the UK provided $55 million in funding to support its important work.

Yet UNRWA is still facing a shortfall of more than $450 million from a budget of $880 million, as it confronts the biggest humanitarian crisis seen in the organisation’s history.

Our working group will consider what further support can be provided by all of us to UNRWA, including through securing sustainable financial contributions.

Further details on the aims of our Working Group Five are set out in the Concept Note, which has been circulated. We encourage written submissions on the guiding questions from delegations and the UN system by Friday, 30 May.

Co-chairs, in closing, the UK has long been clear that lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike can only be achieved through a two-state solution.

We look forward to working with our Egyptian colleagues, the entire UN membership, and colleagues across the UN system to help deliver a conference which moves us towards this goal.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

UK and 37 other countries call for immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Belarus.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the Informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and my own country Poland.

The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Malta, Moldova, North Macedonia, San Marino and Switzerland.

Since the death of political prisoner and activist Vitold Ashurak in prison on 21 May 2021, we mark the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners in Belarus annually.

Since May 2021, at least seven more political prisoners have died in the regime’s captivity: Mikalai Klimovich, Ales Pushkin, Vadzim Khrasko, Ihar Lednik, Aliaksandr Kulinich, Dmitry Schletgauer and Valiantsin Shtermer. They were unjustly persecuted for their political opinions, and failed to receive adequate medical attention and care.

In June last year, a group of 38 participating states invoked the Vienna Human Dimension mechanism and questioned many individual cases related to prisoners’ dignity, access to medication and medical care, to legal counsel of their own choosing, to effective remedies and a fair legal trial, as well as contacts with their families. The Belarus authorities did not bring any meaningful response to these questions nor has Belarus made progress on the recommendations of either the 2020 or 2023 Moscow Mechanism reports.

Some of those prisoners have since then been released, after completion of their sentences or through pardons, however the arbitrary detention of citizens for exercising their human rights persists. As of May 15, 2025, VIASNA estimates that there were 1189 political prisoners in Belarus. Many of them have serious health issues, disabilities, are over the age of 60, and are suffering from mental disorders. Many of them are subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including deprivation of necessary medical assistance. The UN Committee against Torture reported that torture in these prisons is systemic, habitual, widespread and deliberate with a pattern of impunity for perpetrators.

This is the day to remember them all. A day to reiterate our call for the Belarusian authorities:

• to stop repressing individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, to freedom of association and to peaceful assembly;
• to release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally, and to ensure their rehabilitation.

This is also the day to express our solidarity with relatives and friends of political prisoners, who are subject to political and administrative repression in Belarus and in exile, as part of a wider brutal crackdown on opposition figures, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, journalists and other media actors, and other citizens who dare voice any opposition or dissent.

In the face of this disregard of OSCE principles and commitments by the Belarusian authorities, we will continue to support the Belarusian people’s aspiration for a free, democratic and independent Belarus.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

Largest multinational Ukraine trade mission boosts defence partnerships for British business.

• The UK led its largest-ever trade mission to Ukraine, with 51 defence companies taking part.
• The mission brought together UK industry and likeminded European nations to secure contracts and boost high-skilled jobs across the UK.
• Trade missions help strengthen national security, the foundation of the Plan for Change, and open up opportunities for our world class defence sector.

A record 51 UK and international companies joined the fifth UK-Ukraine trade mission in Kyiv this week, making it the largest British-led trade delegation to Ukraine to date.

Participating companies from across the defence economy specialising in areas like uncrewed systems and military goods are securing contracts which will boost high-skilled jobs in regions across the country, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

This week’s mission brought together leading UK defence firms to deepen cooperation with Ukrainian industry and partners from Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. This collaboration is vital in demonstrating a united multinational industrial front with European allies, scaling up support for Ukraine’s defence needs and strengthening supply chain resilience with international partners.

This latest mission is a significant step in the UK’s 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine, reinforcing the UK’s long-term support for Ukraine’s defence, security and recovery and drawing on the collective industrial capacity and capability of European allies.

Defence is a key growth sector in the Government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy and a prime example of how Government and industry can work together to aid our allies and boost UK security.

Lord Coaker, Defence Minister said:

Working with the Netherlands, Norway, and Ukraine we’re building resilient supply chains, putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve a just and lasting peace for years to come.

The UK is continuing to lead the way on support for Ukraine, from military support to leading the Ukraine Defence Contact Group where since the UK took the chair nearly £23bn has been pledged in military support for Ukraine.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS said:

It is a privilege for industry to lead the UK in engagement both within Ukraine and with our Ukrainian counterparts. Indeed, this week’s trade mission – the most multinational of its kind to date – has been nothing but inspiring.

The UK defence industry’s support to Ukraine is unwavering and stands ready to increase production capacity, develop innovative new capabilities, and build a resilient ecosystem.

Continued collaboration, both with our government counterparts and international allies, is pivotal as illegal Russian aggression continues to intensify. We will continue to deepen our industrial ties and fulfil our moral duty to the Ukrainian people.

Marte Gerhardsen, Norwegian State Secretary said:

European allies needs to stand together with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We work closely with Ukraine the UK and other European countries. The Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, and the need to rapidly strengthen Ukrainian and European defence capabilities are apparent.

The security situation demands that we innovate and adapt. We need to ensure that our industries can meet the growing demands from our governments and armed forces.

One of the purposes of the visit is to facilitate the establishment of projects and collaborations by more Norwegian companies in Ukraine. I am pleased to see how Norwegian companies work with Ukrainian partners to scale up productions.

The mission follows the new UK-EU Security & Defence Partnership that was agreed on Monday, which could lead to significant opportunities for the UK’s world-leading defence industries, generating more high-skilled jobs across all regions of the UK.

By joining forces with our European partners, the UK is strengthening its own defence industry while contributing directly to Ukraine’s long-term resilience.

Background:

• JEF nations represented on this mission include: Norway, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Latvia
• DBT and MOD working closely together through the cross-government Task Force HIRST to drive increases in UK, Ukrainian and allies’ industrial capacity to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as domestic military resilience. It has recently secured a £1.6bn deal for air defence missiles for Ukraine.
• The UK is fully committed to working with allies to step up support to ensure Ukraine remains in the strongest possible position, which is why £4.5 billion of military support will be provided this year – more than ever before.
• Defence already supports 434,000 jobs and is an engine for growth. The Government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy will make sure national security and a high-growth economy are aligned and delivering on our promise to crack down on waste and boost Britain’s defence industry.
• This week’s mission builds on the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Oslo Summit held earlier this month, highlighting the UK’s growing cooperation with European partners on defence and security.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 23 May 2025.

UK-funded trade mission involving 10 cocoa buyers to Solomon Islands organised by the UKTP Programme forged this connection in September 2024.

In the growing trading relationship between Solomon Islands and the UK, there is now a first all-female-led business collaboration to grow out of the UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, which is leading the way for cocoa farmers in the Pacific and championing their resilience and skills.

That transpired through UK ethical chocolate maker Cocoa Sisters bringing to British consumers premium, single-origin chocolate made from cocoa grown by women farmers in Solomon Islands. This is the result of a successful connection between UK-based ethical chocolate maker, Sarah Payne and pioneering cocoa producers from the Pacific Islands.

The connection was first made during a trade mission by 10 cocoa buyers to the Solomon Islands organised by the UK-Government funded United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) Programme in September 2024.

In February 2025, UKTP programme supported four Solomon Islands cocoa producers to attend a Cocoa trade fair in Amsterdam, providing another opportunity for them to meet with buyers from the UK and around the world.

The UKTP Programme, funded by the UK Government and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), supports businesses in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to improve export readiness and connect with UK buyers.

In Solomon Islands, UKTP has worked closely with women-led businesses, cocoa farmers and processors, and export businesses to strengthen quality, packaging, branding, and market access.

The launch of Cocoa Sisters celebrates the arrival of a product that is as much about empowerment and equity as it is about exceptional flavour. Cocoa Sisters sources directly from women-led cocoa farms, with a commitment to sustainable farming practices and fair returns for producers.

At the heart of this brand are Agnes Pilopaso from Guadalcanal and Lucy Kasimwane from Makira – 2 female cocoa farmers supported by UKTP through capacity building, trade promotion and market connections.

At the launch in London last week, His Excellency Mr Moses Kouni Mose, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Solomon Islands Head of Mission to the European Union said:

I think this is something that needs to be developed and I see the potential not only for cocoa but also other agriculture commodities from Solomon Islands like coffee, palm oil and coconut body products that can have added value. We really appreciate the collaboration that this has realised.

Managing Director of the Cocoa Sisters brand who is also founder and Creative Director at Cocoa Loco, Sarah Payne remarked:

So, the idea behind Cocoa Sisters is that we will source directly from female cocoa farmers, supporting them financially and telling their stories. At the same time raising awareness of the imbalances that exist in the cocoa supply chain. But this is more than a chocolate brand, it is a platform that uplifts women and we’re shining a light on their brilliance and of course getting cocoa beans from Pacific Islands remote places is quite challenging, but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support that I’ve had.

The Cocoa Sisters launch event included tasting the first collection of Cocoa Sisters chocolate made from the cocoa beans of incredible female farmers Agnes and Lucy from Solomon Islands and Delwin from Papua New Guinea and enjoying chocolate martinis and brownies, all crafted using their cocoa.

Solomon Islands Ambassador to the EU, H.E. Moses Mose and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Indo-Pacific) Catherine West MP also spoke at the event about the importance of global collaboration and women-led enterprise.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, His Excellency Paul Turner said there’s huge potential for cocoa and other agricultural commodities from Solomon Islands in the UK.

His Excellency Paul Turner remarked:

Solomon Islands cocoa is a high-end product that is exotic to the British customer. In the UK we are used to getting our cocoa from countries such as Ghana in West Africa. It is great to have a more diversified market, and I look forward to strengthening the commercial ties between the UK and Solomon Islands.

Recent successes for Solomon Island exporters include:

Free from Awards

In 2024 Solomons Gold, from Solomon Islands, won several accolades, including silver and bronze medals for seven of their vegan chocolate varieties. The company produces handcrafted vegan chocolate in a diverse range of flavours. Their chocolates are known for the absence of allergens, including dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and refined sugar, making them an ideal contender for the Free from Awards.

As award winners, Solomons Gold, are promoted across Free form’s social platforms and are granted exclusive rights to use the awards’ logo on their winning products. This instantly recognizable and internationally respected mark helps consumers identify safe, quality products. For these two small companies from the Pacific Islands, the awards are a clear recognition that their products satisfy British consumer tastes.

The UK Great Taste Awards

Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Championing independent food and drink producers since 1994, the awards are organized by The Guild of Fine Food based on a blind tasting of over 12,500 entrants by more than 500 expert judges.

The blind-taste evaluation ensures that accolades are awarded based purely on taste, without the influence of branding or marketing. Achieving even one of the possible three stars establishes a food as among the best tasting in the world. In 2024 Solomon’s Gold was the only company to receive two-star recognition for multiple products, winning accolades for both its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao chocolates.

In 2025, we are supporting UK SME bean-to-bar chocolate maker CocoCaravan to enter their two bars made from cocoa sourced from producers in the Solomon Islands. Their 75% Ailali Solomon Islands and 75% Pilopaso Solomon Islands chocolates are handcrafted bean-to-bar products, sweetened with coconut sugar. The cocoa beans were purchased during the UKTP cocoa mission to the Solomon Islands in September 2024. The results of the awards will be announced by end of July 2025.

Nourish Awards.

Established in 2017, the Nourish Awards are the UK leading recognition for healthy food, beverages, and supplements, setting the standard for innovation, excellence, and health in the food industry. In 2024 Solomons Gold earned three-star ratings in the Nourish Vegan Awards on top of the ‘Best Vegan Chocolate’ for its Dark Orange 70% Cacao, Dark Caramel 70% Cacao, and Dark Nib 75% Cacao.