Tag: Foreign Office

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

UK Statement on Kiribati, delivered at Kiribati’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Thank you, Mr President,

The United Kingdom warmly welcomes the delegation. We recognise the Government of Kiribati’s positive engagement with this process and progress made since the last Universal Periodic Review. The United Kingdom commends ambitious reforms to social protection systems, including support provided to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

We urge the Government to enhance efforts to address the high levels of gender-based violence, advance work to end discrimination, and guarantee the protection of all individuals.

We recommend that Kiribati:

1. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
2. Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
3. Renew efforts to enshrine protection from discrimination on the basis of gender, gender identity and expression and sexual orientation; and to decriminalise consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex within the Constitution.

Thank you.

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

I want to start by underlining our wholehearted support for UNHCR and High Commissioner Grandi’s passionate leadership. You have steered the organisation through a decade of global change.

A decade of increasing conflict, climate shocks and instability.

All these factors continue to push people from their homes, driving displacement ever higher.

In the world today, over 123 million people are forcibly displaced.

In the face of such challenges, we must focus on solutions.

I will highlight three that are priority areas for the UK.

First, we will continue to do all we can to tackle the root causes of displacement, including war, instability, and repression.

We will work at all levels, including through this Council to protect the rules-based international system and promote peace.

We will work with international partners to tackle people smuggling and human trafficking, which exploits vulnerable people for financial gain.

Just this month, the UK led a successful Border-Security Summit, where we secured agreements between participating countries, to drive efforts to disrupt organised immigration crime and save lives.

Second, we will seek solutions to regional and country-specific crises.

Many of which, from Ukraine to the Middle East, are the focus of this Council.

This month, the UK hosted a conference on Sudan with humanitarian and political objectives, including support for an end to the conflict and easing the impact on the region and we were grateful for the participation of Commissioner Grandi along with other parts of the UN leadership.

In Cox’s Bazar, we have funded UNHCR to support refugees’ access to healthcare, clean water and hygiene.

We will continue to advocate for safe, dignified and sustainable solutions for refugees, including at the UN Rohingya Conference in September.

And third, we continue to push for innovative approaches to addressing displacement.

We support the High Commissioner’s Sustainable Responses Initiative, which supports refugee inclusion and self-reliance, and ownership of solutions by host countries.

We look forward to the Global Compact for Refugees meeting in December – a key moment to review progress on pledges we made in 2023, to deliver better outcomes for displaced people and host communities.

And we encourage others to join and sustain our collective efforts to achieve the Compact’s goals.

In conclusion, President, to reverse the growing trend of displacement, we need to focus on solutions to the causes we have all discussed today.

The UK is committed to working with UNHCR and other international partners and institutions to achieve this.

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

Statement by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at Kyrgyzstan’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Let me welcome the Minister and his delegation, and salute his government’s efforts to implement the recommendations from its last review. Not least, we commend its efforts on gender equality and welcome their constructive role on this Council.

Let me also urge his Government to uphold its obligations under the ICCPR and the commitments accepted at its last review.

We recommend that the Kyrgyz Republic:

1. Ensure the treatment of NGOS is in line with international human rights obligations, and that it removes regulations for NGOS to provide information not stipulated by the ‘Law on Non-Commercial Organisations’.
2. Maintain the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture as an independent and separate National Preventative Mechanism and provide adequate resources to the Centre to continue to effectively carry out its mandate.
3. Adhere to the principles enshrined in the Kyrgyz Constitution by amending the Code of Offences to decriminalise defamation and insult, and instead use civil litigation in line with international human rights obligations.

Thank you, Mr President.

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

Mrs Victoria Busby OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta in succession to Ms Katherine Ward LVO OBE who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mrs Busby will take up her appointment during September 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Victoria Alice Markland Busby

Year	Role
2020 to present	FCDO, Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps
2019 to 2020	Cabinet Office, Chief Operating Officer, COP26
2012 to 2019	No10, Deputy Director, Events and Visits
2010 to 2012	DCMS, Head of Communication, Government Olympic Executive
2009 to 2010	Home Office, Senior Communications Manager, Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism
2008 to 2009	Ministry of Defence, Senior PR Manager
2006 to 2008	Department for Work and Pensions, Marketing Manager
2006	Joined Civil Service
2005 to 2006	Head London (communications consultancy), Account Manager
2003 to 2005	Christie’s (auction house), Proposals Writer

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

Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary host Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, demonstrating the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian Authority.

• UK hosts Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mustafa in first official visit to the UK since 2021.
• UK and PA to sign Memorandum of Understanding reiterating support for a two-state solution to help secure long-term peace and security in the Middle East.
• New UK funding announced to support people in Occupied Palestinian Territories and to help reform and empower the PA.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy will today host Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in London, marking the first official Palestinian Authority Prime Ministerial visit to the UK since 2021.

The invitation reflects the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people at a critical juncture in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.

The Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Mustafa will sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding enshrining their commitment to advancing Palestinian statehood as part of a two-state solution. It will also stress that the Palestinian Authority is the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and underlines the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority. The MoU will also underscore the commitment of the Palestinian Authority to deliver its reform agenda as a matter of priority.

Alongside this, the UK will announce a package of support for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, expected to include £101 million directed at humanitarian relief, support for Palestinian economic development, and strengthening Palestinian Authority governance and reform.

The UK and PA will also agree on a coordinated approach to Gaza’s future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK will make clear that Hamas must immediately release the hostages and relinquish control of Gaza.

The strengthening of the UK-Palestinian partnership represents a key component of the UK government’s Plan for Change, as it works to support long-term peace and security in the Middle East. By working even more closely with the Palestinian Authority, the UK is demonstrating its commitment to the two-state solution as the best option for a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our relationship with the Palestinian Authority – a key partner for peace in the Middle East – at a critical moment.

The UK is clear that there can be no role for Hamas in the future of Gaza and we are committed to working with the Palestinian Authority as the only legitimate governing entity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We will not give up on the two-state solution, with a Palestinian state and Israel living side-by-side in peace, dignity and security. I reaffirm the UK’s commitment to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to that process, at a time that has the greatest impact.

During the visit Prime Minister Mustafa will outline the Palestinian Authority’s reform programme which focuses on strengthening financial sustainability, enhancing governance transparency, and improving service delivery to Palestinian citizens.

Background

• this is the first official Palestinian Authority Prime Ministerial visit to the UK since former Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh visited Glasgow in 2021 for COP26
• Memorandum of Understanding: the MoU establishes a new framework for UK-Palestinian cooperation which will reiterate both parties’ commitment to the two-state solution, and pursue further cooperation in areas including economic development, trade and security
• this comes as Lord Collins is also due to attend the UN Security Council Middle East Peace Process meeting on Tuesday where he will re-affirm the UK position on progressing towards a long-term peace in the region
• the funding announcement is single-year (financial year 2025 to 2026) and future funding is subject to the ongoing Spending Review

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

The Foreign Secretary visits Oman and Qatar to commit to expand cooperation with Gulf countries on trade, defence, and security.

• Visit to Oman and Qatar will commit to expand cooperation with Gulf countries on trade, defence, and security
• Foreign Secretary to use visit to underscore need for de-escalation and security within region including countering the threat posed by Iran
• Builds on mission to kickstart the economy and protect national security as part of Government’s Plan for Change

The UK is set to strengthen ties with key partners in the Gulf as the Foreign Secretary travels to Oman and Qatar to unlock new opportunities and push the need for greater security and stability in the region.

The Foreign Secretary’s first visit to Oman is an opportunity to celebrate 225 years of government to government relations, discuss how best to consolidate our shared efforts for green, sustainable growth and our cooperation on regional security challenges.

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the recent US – Iran talks held in Oman. Alongside international partners we are clear that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon which threatens international peace and security. We remain committed to seeking a negotiated solution to the issue and will use all diplomatic levers to make this happen.

He will discuss UK-Omani joint work on wider regional security, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and Houthi threats to international shipping in the Red Sea, a vital trade route for UK exports to the rest of the world with over a $1 trillion worth of global goods passing through each year.

In Qatar, the Foreign Secretary will build on the Government’s commitment to boosting the economy by overseeing the UK-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, a key forum which has assisted in fuelling previous investment into the UK in priority growth sectors including energy, real-estate and defence. This partnership builds on the success of the existing multi-billion pound Strategic Investment Partnership, helping to deliver on the Government’s growth mission and supporting Qatar’s own economic ambitions.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

The UK’s relationship with the Gulf continues to go from strength to strength. Our partnerships are unlocking huge investment opportunities in the UK and creating jobs in the industries of the future which is at the very heart of our Plan for Change.

But boosting growth is reliant on building stability. It’s vital we engage closely with partners like Qatar and Oman to strengthen security in the region, this includes countering Iran’s malign activity in the region and bringing the war in Gaza to end.

The Foreign Secretary will also discuss progress on the Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which could increase bilateral trade by up to 16%, adding an extra £8.6 billion a year to trade between the UK and GCC countries in the long run, as well as supporting job creation across Britain.

As the impact of the devastating conflict in Gaza continues to be felt across the region,  the Foreign Secretary will use his visit to highlight that more bloodshed is in no-one’s interest, and the need for all parties in the conflict to return to a ceasefire. In meetings with counterparts, he will stress the need to build lasting peace in the region which is vital for security and prosperity in the Gulf and at home in the UK.

The visit to Qatar will also be an opportunity to further cooperation on defence and security matters. This includes discussing the close partnership between the RAF and Qatar Amiri Joint Squadron which helps train the next generation of pilots who will patrol the skies and maintain UK security interests in the Middle East.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 April 2025.

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

I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and ASG Msuya for their briefing.

Let me also welcome Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani to the Council.

On the day the new Syrian flag was raised here at the UN, your presence is a powerful reminder of the opportunity that lies ahead for Syria to carve out a more secure, peaceful and prosperous future.

The UK stands with the Syrian people as they seize this historic moment.

President, I will make three points today.

First, we have already seen welcome progress in Syria’s political transition.

This includes the formation of a new Government, creation of a Constitutional Committee and work to address immediate security threats, including from chemical weapons.

We have seen important steps towards reconciliation amongst Syria’s diverse communities, including the recent agreement signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces.

It is important that this outreach and consultation continues to help build a stable and unified country working in the interests of all Syrians.

And after years of war and brutality under the Assad regime, issues of transitional justice and accountability must be prioritised.

This includes steps to find missing persons, and provide much-needed peace of mind to the families that have paid the ultimate price.

Second, economic recovery will be a crucial part of efforts to build a more prosperous Syria.

This week’s meetings of the International Financial Institutions, with the participation of the Syrian Government are an important step in boosting international community support to drive investment and economic growth.

And this week, the UK has lifted sanctions on sectors including trade, energy production and finance.

We hope these steps will help remove barriers to investment in Syria’s economy, especially in the energy and electricity generation sector, which is essential for Syria’s reconstruction.

Finally, we reiterate that respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for both Syrian security and that of its neighbours.

We are concerned by Israeli actions which risk restabilising the region.

We call on all actors to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

President, Syrians have already suffered greatly from years of conflict and misrule.

As we heard from the briefers, they face considerable political, economic and humanitarian challenges as they emerge from this dark chapter in their history.

They deserve a better and more secure future.

The UK will continue to support the Syrian government and its people in their efforts to achieve this.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2025.

Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s missile attacks against civilians in Sumy and Kharkiv over Easter and President Putin’s transparently cynical attempts to portray Russia as the party of peace.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  The United Kingdom is grateful to Finland for convening this Special Permanent Council.  It was only 16 days ago that you were last compelled to call an extraordinary meeting of the Council after a Russian missile killed 20 people, including nine children, in Kryvyi Rih.  It was the largest number of children killed in a single strike since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the UN.

Last week was one of major religious festivals where communities around the globe came together in the spirit of peace and goodwill. But while Christians around the world were marking the beginning of Holy Week, a Russian ballistic missile struck the centre of Sumy.  34 people were killed, including two children.  A further 117 were injured.  Some of the victims were heading to church for a Palm Sunday service.

On Good Friday another Russian ballistic missile struck Kharkiv using a cluster munition.  One person was killed and at least 60 were injured.  On the same day, a drone attack on Sumy killed another civilian and destroyed a bakery preparing traditional Easter ‘paska’ bread.

Mister Chair, our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time.

Russia’s response to the widespread condemnation in this Council – and at the UN – following their attack on Sumy was to resort to their familiar playbook of disinformation and distortion in an attempt to justify the unjustifiable.  We can expect to see a similar tactic on this occasion.

Through these barbaric attacks, Russia has shown that its cruelty knows no bounds and that it is not serious about peace. President Putin’s so-called “Easter truce” was a stunt, violated repeatedly by his own forces.  A day later – Easter Monday – a further five civilians reportedly lost their lives following Russian attacks, laying bare the Kremlin’s transparently cynical attempt to portray themselves as the party of peace.  Similar attacks have continued since, including yesterday against Kyiv, in which nine civilians were reportedly killed, and 70 more injured.

If Russia was serious about peace, it would agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire, just as Ukraine did, more than 40 days ago.  If it was serious about peace, it would stop these senseless attacks on civilians.  If it was serious about peace, it would honour the commitments it has made.

Russia’s continued attacks against Ukraine are another stark reminder that President Putin has not abandoned his goal of subjugating Ukraine.  For this reason, the UK, alongside our partners and allies, will continue to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to defend its citizens. And we stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia to hinder its ability to wage this war of aggression.

Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 24 April 2025.

Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan in succession to Ms Kathy Leach who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Mrs Axworthy will take up her appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Sally Jane Axworthy

Year	Role
2024 to present	Full-time Kazakh language training
2021 to 2024	FCDO, Head, Negotiations and Peace Processes Department, Office for Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation
2016 to 2021	Holy See, HM Ambassador
2013 to 2015	FCO, Joint Head, North Africa Department
2011 to 2013	FCO, Head, Somalia Unit
2011	FCO, Head, Great Lakes, East Africa and Somalia Department
2009 to 2011	India, Director, Corporate Services
2007 to 2008	FCO, Head of Financial Skills
2006	FCO, Senior Flexible Working Project, Human Resources Directorate
2004 to 2005	Government Office South West, Vulnerable Adults Project Leader
2001 to 2003	Government Office South West, Assistant Director, Devon and Cornwall
1998 to 2000	FCO, Head, Turkey, Cyprus & Malta Section, European Union Department
1996 to 1998	Bonn, First Secretary (European Union)
1994 to 1996	Secondment to the German Foreign Ministry
1993 to 1994	FCO, Head, Political Section, United Nations Department
1991 to 1992	Kyiv, Second Secretary Economic
1989 to 1991	Moscow, Third Secretary Commercial
1988 to 1989	Full time language training (Russian)
1987 to 1988	FCO, Desk Officer, Hungary and Czechoslovakia

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

This Joint Statement follows the meeting of the United Kingdom and New Zealand Prime Ministers in London on 22 April 2025.

Reflecting on the enduring UK-NZ partnership, underpinned by shared values, rich connections between our people, and profound mutual trust, and cognisant of these uncertain times, the Prime Ministers expressed high ambition to deepen cooperation to ensure our modern and dynamic partnership continues to thrive, and contributes to our security and prosperity. We are energised by our shared commitment to deliver for our people.

The Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to upholding the fundamental principles that underpin our partnership – democracy, human rights and the rule of law – which are central to a stable international order. They reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation to address global challenges, supported by effective and efficient multilateral institutions, and recognised the indivisibility of the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

The Prime Ministers reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine and welcomed US-led efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The United Kingdom and New Zealand called on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately and end its illegal invasion. They called on those supporting Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex through the supply of dual use components and weapons, to cease fuelling Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Prime Ministers expressed gratitude to the military personnel of the United Kingdom and New Zealand who have trained over 54,000 Ukrainians through Operation Interflex the UK-led multinational training effort. As the conflict evolves, both Leaders agreed to coordinate on training to meet Ukraine’s evolving needs.

The Prime Ministers welcomed on-going discussions on future support for Ukraine as part of the UK and France-led Coalition of the Willing – a multinational reassurance force to support Ukraine’s long-term defence and security. Prime Minister Starmer thanked New Zealand for its ongoing participation in military and diplomatic discussions about possible post-conflict support for Ukraine.

Noting the mounting threats to international peace and security, the Prime Ministers noted the decisions taken by both governments to substantially increase defence spending. They agreed to renew our historic defence partnership to make it fit for the future, and to deepen cooperation in our defence capabilities and industries.

The Prime Ministers acknowledged the ongoing cooperation between our defence forces on global challenges, including in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Starmer welcomed New Zealand’s upcoming participation in the UK-led Carrier Strike Group deployment in the Indo-Pacific, and welcomed ongoing consultations as New Zealand continues to explore potential opportunities for participation in AUKUS Pillar II.

The Prime Ministers agreed that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity. They reiterated their concern at China’s recent military exercises around Taiwan and called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait Issues.

The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to promote the prosperity, security and resilience of Pacific Small Island Developing States. In the context of climate change they welcomed joint work on the TIDES renewable energy investment fund.

Free trade is a cornerstone of prosperity in both countries. Recognising that open markets, and reliable legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for trade, the Prime Ministers committed to strengthening and modernising the rules-based trading system. The Prime Ministers welcomed our enhanced trading relationship since the entry into force of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement, with the United Kingdom now one of New Zealand’s fastest growing export markets.

The Prime Ministers agreed to work together to strengthen the role that free trade plays in increasing prosperity, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (which the United Kingdom and New Zealand are Parties to). This includes growing the agreement ambitiously through further accessions and pursuing concrete updates through the ongoing General Review.

Noting that economic growth and improving the lives of British and New Zealand citizens are fundamental priorities for both governments, the Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of commercial deals including on clean technology and infrastructure.

The Prime Ministers agreed to further enhance our mutual security and prosperity by:

• Forging a new Clean Energy Partnership to encourage two-way investment in renewable energy and low and zero emissions technologies.
• Launching an investor partnership for New Zealand investment into agritech SMEs in the UK, and collaboration on Earth Observation from space.
• Affirming our partnership with, and support for, Pacific Island countries’ climate resilience through clean energy, ecosystem resilience, and climate adaptation.
• Continuing close cooperation to protect Antarctica as a place for peace and science and upholding the Antarctic Treaty System.
• Strengthening cooperation in support of the rules-based system, including through reform of multilateral institutions.
• Updating our Double Taxation Agreement to provide long term certainty and stability to business.
• Recognising the renewed mutual recognition of professional qualifications between Engineering New Zealand and UK’s Engineering Council.
• Modernising our Film and TV Co-production Treaty to promote the growth of our world-class screen industries and bring more iconic stories to the screen.