Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Mr Ajay Sharma CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Malaysia in succession to Ms Ailsa Terry CMG. Mr Sharma will take up his appointment during April 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Ajay Sharma

Year	Role
2024 to present	FCDO, Director and pre-posting training
2023 to 2024	Cabinet Office, National Security Secretariat, Director International
2022 to 2023	Ankara, Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires
2021 to 2022	FCDO, Cyprus Settlement Co-ordinator
2020 to 2021	FCDO, Deputy Political Director
2015 to 2020	Doha, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2013 to 2015	FCO, Iran Co-ordinator and non-resident then resident Chargé d’affaires to Iran
2012 to 2013	FCO, Head of Iran Department
2008 to 2012	Paris, Deputy Head of Mission
2007 to 2008	Tehran, Deputy Head of Mission
2005 to 2007	FCO, Deputy Head of Security Policy Department
2003 to 2005	Ankara, First Secretary and Head of Political Section
2002 to 2003	Moscow, First Secretary and Head of Economic/ Energy Section
2001 to 2002	FCO, Pre-posting training (Russian)
1997 to 2000	Ankara, Second Secretary (Political/ Press)
1996 to 1997	FCO, Pre-posting training (Turkish)
1995 to 1996	FCO, Central European Department
1995	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine.

As we’ve heard on Friday, Russia’s ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih struck a residential area in the city, resulting in the deaths of 20 people, including nine children, the youngest of whom was just three years old.

At least 70 people were injured.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described this as the deadliest single strike harming children since the start of the full-scale invasion.

As High Commissioner Türk said, this attack was an unimaginable horror, nine children killed, most while playing in a park, as a military weapon exploded into shrapnel above them.

We also saw Russia’s attacks this weekend on Kharkiv and Kyiv, resulting in at least 5 more civilian deaths and many more injured.

So we find ourselves here once again to condemn yet more Russian attacks that have killed and injured many Ukrainian civilians in violation of the UN Charter and in violation of Russia’s responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

President Putin continues to stall the ceasefire proposal, dragging his feet and insisting on maximalist conditions.

While intensifying drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Which have now resulted in the deaths of nine more innocent children.

The Kremlin’s actions reflect no desire for peace that I can detect.

They are the actions of a government that remains hell-bent on destroying Ukraine; a government that disdains mediation efforts, and holds cheap the lives of civilians.

Under US leadership, a ceasefire proposal is on the table.

The ball has been in Russia’s court for weeks now.

It’s time for the Kremlin to stop stalling.

It’s time they show that they are committed to peace as they claim to be.

Because President Zelenskyy has made Ukraine’s will clear.

He wants to see the war end and has agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire, subject to Russia’s agreement.

It is time for the killing to stop.

It is time for the Kremlin to end its aggression against Ukraine and to uphold its obligations under the UN Charter.

It is time for President Putin to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as a vital step towards negotiations to end the war for good.

So our message to the Kremlin is that we will not be deterred by your reckless and barbaric actions.

The UK will continue to stand resolutely by Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

Minister of State Stephen Doughty congratulates the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association for its efforts to protect democracy and human rights for Georgians.

Minister for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, said:

“I congratulate the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) on winning the prestigious Democracy Defender Award gifted by the UK and seven OSCE partners. The GYLA is providing essential support to human rights activists and civil society organisations in Georgia who are coming under increasing pressure from repressive legislation.

“After months of democratic backsliding, arbitrary arrests, and the use of excessive force against protestors, politicians and journalists, Georgian Dream has shown no indication they will return to their European path and uphold the democratic wishes of its own electorate.

“I urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this isolationist behaviour, and I thank the GYLA for their important work protecting the fundamental rights of Georgian people.”

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 8 April 2025.

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE, is visiting Dhaka to strengthen and expand the long-standing economic and trade partnership between the UK and Bangladesh.

While in Dhaka, she will be meeting key officials from the Interim Government of Bangladesh, political parties and business leaders. She will also participate in the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. She will be joined by Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to South Asia.

On her first visit to Bangladesh as UK Trade Envoy, Baroness Winterton will meet Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh; Professor Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs; Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser, Ministry of Commerce; and Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser, Ministry of Education. Her meetings will focus on how the two countries will deepen their trade and investment relationship and deliver mutually beneficial growth and job creation. With Harjinder Kang, she will also meet with key stakeholders from the business community and will deliver a keynote speech at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Bangladesh Investment Summit on 9 April 2025, to underscore the UK government’s growth mission.

Baroness Winterton’s discussions with key stakeholders will focus on the UK’s work with the Interim Government on vital economic reforms, the opportunities arising from the commitment to duty free, quota free access to the UK market until 2029 and identifying opportunities to strengthen trade and investment in sectors such as education, aviation, defence and renewable energy.

UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rt. Hon. the Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE said:

The UK is laser-focused on building an economic partnership with Bangladesh that will boost two-way trade and investment between our countries.

From being the third largest market for Bangladeshi ready-made garments to being one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh, the UK already has strong foundations to build on and I look forward to solidifying it even further through this visit.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said:

I am delighted to welcome UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE in her first visit to the country in her new role.

The UK is a major economic and trading partner of Bangladesh, and this visit reiterates the UK’s commitment to boosting two-way trade and investment and supporting Bangladesh’s work on vital economic reforms.

The UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Bangladesh and this visit aims to deepen collaboration in key sectors including education, aviation, defence and renewable energy. The visit will also explore opportunities to increase the presence of UK education institutions. These projects signify major investment opportunities and reflect the UK’s commitment to Bangladesh.

Further information

• the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE was appointed as the United Kingdom Trade Envoy to Bangladesh in January 2025. She plays a key role in strengthening trade and investment ties between the UK and Bangladesh
• Harjinder Kang is His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. He was appointed in May 2023

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

Joint statement on the 58th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development delivered by Sierra Leone on Monday 7 April 2025, on behalf of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Zambia and the United Kingdom.

We are making this collective statement to emphasise the urgent need for action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Health is a human right and a foundation of sustainable development, driving economic growth, social cohesion, and individual dignity.

Over the past decades, significant progress has been made in many areas of health. We have seen a reduction in maternal and child mortality, expanded access to modern contraceptive methods as well as maternal and newborn medicines and commodities, improvements in adolescent health and education, addressing sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, and a decline in child and early forced marriages. These achievements give us hope for a healthier future.

However, significant challenges persist, and the urgent need for equal access to health services and opportunities for healthy lives remains out of reach for many.

Health inequalities stemming from complex, interrelated factors such as economic disparities, social exclusion, significant financial hardship, discrimination, and unequal access to resources, has a profound impact on individuals and communities. These inequalities manifest in poor health outcomes, lower life expectancy, reduced household income, and weaker national economic growth potential. Income inequality exacerbates vulnerabilities, limiting access to health services in low-income countries and disadvantaged communities. Social disparities rooted in gender, race, age, class, religion, and ethnicity perpetuate stigma, violence, and adverse health determinants.

Economic disparities within and among countries remain significant, impacting the lives of many individuals. Far too many people are unable to access essential health services or are forced to forgo care due to unaffordability. Rising out-of-pocket health costs are pushing millions into poverty, hindering the realisation of Universal Health Coverage. Conflicts and climate change are straining health systems and the health workforce, contributing to stagnating maternal mortality rates, growing mental health challenges, and the inability of health systems to cope with the rise of non-communicable diseases.

Equitable, inclusive, and resilient health systems are essential to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being. It is imperative to prioritize universally accessible, quality, and comprehensive primary healthcare services. Sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights must enable individuals to make free and informed decisions about their health and their lives. Addressing the social determinants of health – such as poverty, malnutrition, education, water and sanitation, and gender inequality – is critical for achieving inclusive economic growth that strengthens and benefits all of society.

The health and well-being of adolescents and youth also demands greater attention – they require better access to health services, education, and information that enable them to make informed decisions about their lives.

Investing in health, particularly sexual and reproductive health, is not just a matter of well-being, but also a powerful driver of economic growth. UNFPA estimates that allocating an additional $79 billion by 2030 to expand maternal health and family planning services could yield $660 billion in economic benefits by 2050—preventing 400 million unplanned pregnancies, 1 million maternal deaths, 6 million stillbirths, and 4 million newborn deaths, while also enhancing workforce participation and economic productivity (UNFPA, 2022). Similarly, closing the women’s health gap more broadly could further accelerate economic progress, with the World Economic Forum projecting a potential boost of at least $1 trillion annually to the global economy by 2040.

Greater investments in health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and innovative solutions like digital health can improve service delivery and expand access to services. Strengthening and expanding the global health workforce is at the heart of this. We must address health workforce shortages, ensure equitable distribution, enhance training and pay attention to sustainable retention strategies.

It is vital that we, as policymakers, health organizations, and civil society, address disparities within and among countries, ensuring that people in vulnerable situations, including women, children, older persons, migrants, people with disabilities, and those in extreme poverty, have access to quality, comprehensive health services without financial hardship and discrimination. Our role in promoting responsive health systems that cater to the unique needs of at-risk individuals are key to sustainable and inclusive progress.

A healthier population is central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The ICPD’s Programme of Action has guided countries toward inclusive, equitable policies advancing health and gender equality. By strengthening health systems and addressing inequalities, we can work toward a world where all people can live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

The United Kingdom (UK) has signed a landmark declaration of intent with Bulgaria and Romania which unites all three countries in tackling cross-border organised immigration crime and criminal financial flows through central southern Europe.

The UK’s 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) is a key legislation admired globally for its effectiveness in disrupting illicit cash, commodities and assets. Hundreds of millions of pounds have been seized in recent years through this mechanism, targeting organised criminal groups (OCGs) involved in migrant smuggling, sex and drug trafficking, money laundering, in addition to terrorism financing.

The UK, Bulgaria and Romania will work closely to share best practices and successes from their national legislations since all three have demonstrated remarkable achievements in harming OCGs profits and to further develop their cooperation for tackling financial flows.

We look forward to working together on this issue.

Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

UK Closing Statement for the 58th HRC. Delivered in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President.

The UK remains fully committed to implementing the Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. In respect of the resolution L.7 on the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights, the UK notes that States take different approaches, appropriate to the constitutions of their country, to implement the Covenant. The Covenant binds the UK in international law but is unincorporated. Unincorporated treaties are not justiciable domestically so UK courts would not normally contribute to identifying gaps in legislation in respect of Covenant rights. The UK continues to progressively realise the rights recognised in the Covenant through a combination of legislation and administrative measures, in accordance with Article 2 (1) of the Covenant.

The UK also notes that Article 2 (1) of the Covenant accommodates different States’ resources through the progressive realisation of Covenant rights. International human rights law does not, however, accommodate the notion of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, which is a concept set out in certain international environmental treaties. Any attempt to imply that concept forms part of international human rights law, in resolution L.26 Rev.1 on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, is a mischaracterisation of the law. The UK recognises that the Paris Agreement will be implemented to reflect equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances. The UK remains committed to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), the Paris Agreement, and to accelerating action in this critical decade on the basis of the best available science, in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty.

The UK thanks for the core groups for their constructive engagement on both resolutions.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 April 2025.

Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama in succession to Mr James Dauris.  Mr Houston will take up his appointment during July 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Greg Houston

Year	Role
2022 to present	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Deputy Director and Head of Migration Department
2020 to 2022	FCDO, Deputy Head North America Department
2017 to 2020	Bogotá, Deputy Head of Mission
2013 to 2017	Rome, Political Counsellor
2011 to 2013	Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Head of EU Strategy
2007 to 2011	UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, First Secretary, EU Budget
2006 to 2007	UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, Second Secretary, EU Customs
2005 to 2006	Brussels, European Commission, Intern
2005	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 April 2025.

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, express deep concern about China’s provocative actions, particularly the recent large-scale military drills around Taiwan.

These increasingly frequent and destabilizing activities are raising cross-Strait tensions and put at risk global security and prosperity.

G7 members and the larger international community have an interest in the preservation of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We oppose any unilateral actions to threaten such peace and stability, including by force or coercion.

G7 members continue to encourage the peaceful resolution of issues through constructive cross-Strait dialogue.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 April 2025.

UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

• The UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response
• This brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
• UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance.

The increase is the result of an additional £10million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response.

It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar.

The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5million.

UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits. The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

Notes to editors

Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

• An initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response;
• £5m to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April;
• A further £10m funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today.

UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.