Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2025.

Joint statement from Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty and Cayman Islands Premier André Ebanks, following a meeting in London on 17 June 2025.

Minister of State for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty and Cayman Islands Premier André Ebanks met in London yesterday to discuss key areas of partnership and UK support for the Cayman Islands Government’s priorities following their recent elections.

The wide-ranging discussion covered areas of mutual collaboration, including the environment, security, financial services and sanctions. Minister Doughty welcomed the Cayman Islands’ commitment to preserving its pristine marine environment and thanked Premier Ebanks for Cayman’s support to other Overseas Territories in times of need, most recently in Anguilla. Recognising the importance of UK funded programmes, including the Darwin Initiative, the UK and Cayman Islands governments will continue their partnership on environmental protection, including their work together in the Blue Belt Programme.

Premier Ebanks and Minister Doughty also re-affirmed their shared desire to tackling illicit finance and sanctions evasion. Minister Doughty recognised that the Cayman Islands are a world leader in high quality, modern and resilient financial services. Minister Doughty praised the Cayman Islands’ leading regional role in implementing UK sanctions, including freezing over $9 billion of Russia-linked assets.

Minister Doughty welcomed the important steps taken by the Cayman Islands to promote greater corporate transparency, including launching a register of beneficial ownership information in February 2025 accessible to those with legitimate interest such as accredited journalists, academic researchers, and members of certain civil society organisations. Minister Doughty also welcomed Premier Ebanks’ commitment to make further enhancements to their beneficial ownership register – on a legitimate interest basis – with more streamlined processes for multiple search requests, including on fees. They agreed to continue work to enhance greater cooperation through reciprocal information sharing by competent authorities (including law enforcement). We will review these changes together in the coming weeks, in line with the parameters for registers of beneficial ownership agreed between Overseas Territory leaders and the UK Government at the Joint Ministerial Council in November 2024.

Premier Ebanks and Minister Doughty confirmed their desire to further deepen the modern UK-Cayman Islands partnership and looked forward to Minister Doughty’s upcoming visit to the Cayman Islands in September 2025. Minister Doughty reiterated the firm commitment of his government to the sovereignty, security and defence of the Overseas Territories.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2025.

The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan.

• David Lammy visits Pakistan to welcome ceasefire and make clear that further conflict is in nobody’s interest
• Visit used to reassert that peace and security are the cornerstones of the UK’s relationship with Pakistan that will protect growth and prosperity for Brits, Pakistanis and the wider region
• Foreign Secretary meets and thanks consular staff who provided support and advice to Brits during peak of tensions

The UK Government welcomed the sustained ceasefire between Pakistan and India, both important partners to the UK, with the Foreign Secretary asserting the importance of continued stability for the region during a visit to Pakistan.

The Foreign Secretary praised the steps taken by both Pakistan and India to secure an agreement to cease hostilities. In meetings with senior counterparts, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the immeasurable contribution people of Pakistani descent have made to British life and he acknowledged how distressing the past few weeks have been for people in both countries, and for those with Pakistani and Indian heritage in the UK. The Foreign Secretary reflected that the British Pakistani and British Indian diasporas would particularly welcome news of the ceasefire and increased stability for Pakistan and India.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said:

“The images of conflict between India and Pakistan were distressing for all of us in Britain: but in particular the millions of Brits with Indian and Pakistani heritage, and the many British nationals living in both of these countries. Ever since the horrendous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the UK has done all it can to play a supportive role to reduce tensions, get to a ceasefire and condemn terrorism.

“It’s positive that India and Pakistan – both great friends to the UK – have agreed to a pause in hostilities and that the ceasefire is holding.

“Because of the deep and historic links between our populations and our governments we are determined to play our part to counter terrorism and ensure this fragile ceasefire becomes a durable peace.”

The UK and Pakistan have an important history of working closely together on ensuring regional security and stability. This relationship is key to the Government’s mission to deliver the Plan for Change and unlock growth and prosperity for Brits and Pakistanis alike.

The Foreign Secretary has also been in frequent contact with the Government of India, having engaged with his counterpart yesterday (15th May), and will look to travel to New Delhi soon to build upon the strength of the UK-India relationship.

While in Islamabad the Foreign Secretary also met with consular staff working at the UK’s High Commission who helped British nationals in Pakistan during the tensions, to ensure they had access to accurate, up to date information and advice.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 18 June 2025.

Mr Javed Patel has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia in succession to Mr Simon Thomas OBE. Mr Patel will take up his appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Javed Patel

Date	Role
2024 to 2025	Full time Croatian language training
2024	Head of Gaza Consular Cell
2023	FCDO, Deputy Director, North East Asia Department and SRO for Republic of Korea State Visit
2020 to 2023	Dhaka, Deputy High Commissioner
2019	FCO, Deputy Director, National Security Directorate
2018 to 2019	Brussels, Head of Counter Terrorism and Extremism Network for Europe
2015 to 2018	FCO, Deputy Head Consular Assistance Department
2012 to 2014	Baghdad, Political Counsellor
2010 to 2012	FCO, Head of Iraq Policy Team
2010	FCO/DFID/MoD, Stabilisation Unit
2007 to 2010	FCO, Head of Counter Terrorism and Radicalisation Programme, Counter Terrorism Department
2005 to 2007	Home Office, Office for Security and Counter Terrorism
2003 to 2005	Government Office for London
2000 to 2003	Home Office, UK Borders and Immigration Service

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 18 June 2025.

UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz pay tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed by Polish paratroopers during one of the most famous allied operations of the Second World War.

• UK honours Polish courage during Second World War in first-of-its-kind commemoration in Poland
• Historic event reinforces UK and Poland relationship and Britain’s commitment to European security
• New security deal between the two countries to be signed later this year The United Kingdom has recognised the contribution of Polish personnel as part of the allied war effort during the Second World War at a moving ceremony in Poland.

Today, during an historic ceremony at Wilanów Palace in Warsaw, UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to the extraordinary courage displayed by Polish paratroopers during one of the most famous allied operations of the Second World War.

The event is the first formal standalone commemoration to mark the heroism of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade, during Operation Market Garden in 1944 – the allied operation which aimed to hasten the end of the Second World War by opening up new routes for advancing troops into Germany.

The event symbolised the enduring bond between British and Polish forces forged during the darkest days of the Second World War. During the ceremony Lord Coaker and Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz inspected troops and received a salute, before giving speeches focussed on the shared values and sacrifices that have bound the two nations together.

Speaking from Wilanów Palace, Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:

At a time when Britain and Poland’s Armed Forces are once again working together to protect Europe’s security and deter those who threaten peace, the generation of heroes from both countries who fought side-by-side during the Second World War remain an enduring source of pride and inspiration.

Today, we acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade which Major General Sosabowski created and led into battle.

During the events of 1944, Allied forces aimed to seize a series of crucial bridges in the Netherlands through a combination of airborne attack and ground advances, often regarded as one the of most daring and ambitious operations of the entire war.

Major General Ollie Kingsbury, Colonel Commandant of The Parachute Regiment, presented a banner to Brigadier General Michał Strzelecki, Commander 6th Polish Airborne Brigade – the proud descendants of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade – signifying the enduring and historic bond between our armed forces. Members of The Parachute Regiment, British Army and the Polish 6th Airborne Brigade also formed a guard of honour during the ceremony.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said:

General Stanisław Sosabowski and his soldiers, fighting side-by-side with British paratroopers, laid the foundation for today’s cooperation, also military, as well as for strong ties between our nations. On my own behalf and on behalf of the soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, I thank you for honouring our heroes. It constitutes an important gesture, which demonstrates our unity and shared values that have connected us for over 80 years.

The event comes at a time of unprecedented cooperation between the UK and Poland on defence and security matters. Announced by the Prime Minister in January, the two nations are set to sign a new security and defence treaty later this year, building on strong bilateral ties which have seen over 20 British operational deployments to Poland since February 2022.

Both countries remain steadfast allies in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression and are working together to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.

Lord Coaker’s visit also follows the publication of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, which underscores Britain’s commitment to European security.

The review sets out the UK’s vision to move to warfighting readiness, create a more lethal integrated military force, and strengthen UK leadership in NATO. Additionally, it will put service personnel at the heart of our defence plans by renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and having a whole of society approach to our national resilience.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 June 2025.

Joint statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the OPTs. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Mr President, this statement is on behalf of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK.

We regret that the Commission of Inquiry was established on an open-ended basis, against usual practice. Nevertheless, we remain committed to upholding human rights, and we support the Commission in undertaking proportionate scrutiny of the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

We oppose the Israeli Government’s escalating military action in Gaza, and reject its intention to take control of the Gaza strip. 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children. The Israeli hostages held by Hamas continue to suffer an unimaginable ordeal.

The human suffering in Gaza is intolerable; all of Gaza is at risk of famine. We strongly urge Israel to enable food and other critical supplies to reach people safely, and at scale, to address increasing urgent needs. Attacks on UN and other aid workers are outrageous and must be investigated.

In the West Bank, violent settlers assault and abuse Palestinians. We have announced further sanctions on individuals and entities promoting violence against these communities and will continue to take appropriate action.

We continue to call on all parties to urgently agree to a ceasefire/hostage deal; the best hope of ending the agony of the hostages and their families, alleviating civilian suffering in Gaza, ending Hamas control and supporting a two-state solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 9 June 2025.

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

First, the United Kingdom welcomes Gabon’s continued progress toward democratic governance and commends SRSG Abarry’s support for a credible, inclusive and transparent transition.

The peaceful conduct of the April 2025 presidential elections was a positive step and we are encouraged by Gabon’s readmission to the African Union. The legislative and senatorial elections in September will be an important milestone.

And we encourage the government of Gabon to remain committed to transparency and due process as they look to deliver for the Gabonese people.

Second, the United Kingdom remains concerned by ongoing violence in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions and its impact on civilians. We note that UNOCA is well-placed to support a Cameroonian-led dialogue and resolution to the conflict.

We also note that the long-standing crisis in the Lake Chad Basin is affecting Cameroon’s Far North region, with government forces fighting Boko Haram and Islamic State.

Given the cross-border nature of this threat, we urge greater regional cooperation through the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Third, we recognise the completion of Chad’s political transition. We welcome the increased representation of women and the increased diversity of the National Assembly.

But we note concern at reports of corruption, harassment and the intimidation of opposition parties during the electoral process. We urge Chad to increase political and media freedoms to ensure a more peaceful, pluralistic, and transparent democracy.

Finally, President, the United Kingdom maintains its steadfast support for the work of UNOCA and its good offices. UNOCA’s role in early warning, preventive diplomacy, and regional coordination is more vital than ever.

We encourage continued collaboration with ECCAS and other regional actors to address cross-border threats and promote sustainable peace for the region.

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

Joint statement from the UK and 29 other donor countries on attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan.

Joint donor statement condemning attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers in Sudan by the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the attack on a humanitarian convoy of 15 trucks from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Al Koma, North Darfur, on the night of 2 June, which resulted in the death of five members of the convoy and injuring several others. Four of the 15 trucks in the convoy were destroyed in the attack and five more sustained partial damage. These trucks were carrying about 100 metric tons of essential nutrition, health, education, and WASH supplies, intended to support children and families in El Fasher town.

The deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel is a violation of international law. Civilians and humanitarian workers must not be targeted by parties to the armed conflict. We urge all parties to allow civilians to safely exit areas with ongoing hostilities, and to guarantee immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to deliver assistance to those in urgent need throughout Sudan.

We repeat our call to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces and their militias to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations towards international humanitarian law, which includes the obligation to protect civilians and civilian objects – as also reiterated in the UN Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Once again, we stress the civilian character of humanitarian agencies, the neutral and impartial nature of their life-saving operations, and the need for them to operate across all of Sudan, regardless of area of control.

This attack represents yet another deadly and unacceptable attack on civilians and humanitarian workers since the beginning of this armed conflict two years ago, in blatant disregard of international humanitarian law. We remind the parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and their assets.

Last April, the international community strongly condemned the attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps which resulted in the killing of hundreds of civilians and at least 12 aid workers. Just last week, a hospital was targeted in El Obeid, North Kordofan. On several occasions, UN and NGOs offices throughout the country have been directly hit, including WFP’s office in El Fasher only last week. These are just some of the many attacks over the past two years targeting civilians, aid workers and facilities, hospitals, and critical civilian infrastructure, which constitute direct violations of international humanitarian law.

We deplore all loss of civilian life resulting from acts of war throughout this conflict. The continuous attacks on humanitarian aid workers cannot be normalised. These serious and continued violations of international humanitarian law committed by the warring parties are unacceptable and must cease immediately.

We support the UN Secretary General’s call for an immediate and independent investigation into this attack and accountability of the perpetrators.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed and those who have been injured while working to deliver humanitarian assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.”

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

Culture ministries from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia met today under the Berlin Process and, together with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, adopted a Joint Declaration that puts the region’s creative economy at the centre of its economic and European future.

Kotor, Montenegro, 28 May 2025 – Culture ministries from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia met today under the Berlin Process and, together with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, adopted a Joint Declaration that puts the region’s creative economy at the centre of its economic and European future.

Long championed by the United Kingdom, the creative economy of the Western Balkans has taken centre stage in Berlin Process discussions for the very first time, reflecting its growing contribution to inclusive growth, social cohesion and regional cooperation.

Co-hosted by Montenegro’s Minister of Culture and Media Dr Tamara Vujović, British Council Deputy CEO Kate Ewart Biggs and the UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans Dame Karen Pierce, the forum explored how creative industries can generate skilled jobs, retain talented young people and deepen cross-border cooperation. Creative businesses already outpace many traditional sectors and are natural partners for the green and digital transitions the Western Balkans must complete on their path to EU membership.

At the close of the meeting, the six ministers committed to embed creativity in national growth agendas. The Declaration pledges governments to treat the creative economy as a strategic sector, align the work of culture, education and economy ministries, create stable public-finance lines and incentives that crowd-in private investment, and open access to EU and international funds such as the Western Balkans Growth Plan and Horizon Europe. Ministries aim to turn the region’s cultural richness into a lasting engine of prosperity and regional cohesion.

UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, Dame Karen Pierce said:

“The UK’s hosting of the Berlin Process this year underlines our commitment to strengthen cooperation with our partners in the Western Balkans. The discussions we’ve had today, focused on the creative economy, highlight the importance of regional collaboration and the need for long-term investments in areas that will drive sustainable growth, foster social cohesion, and deepen ties across the region.”

“The creative economy can be a driver for growth for all communities. It has immense potential in the Western Balkans. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of this sector, not just for economic benefits, but also as a means of strengthening cultural identity and heritage across the region.

“Today’s adoption of the joint declaration by the Ministries of Culture from the Western Balkans is an important step forward in shaping the future of the creative economy in the region. It’s a clear statement of our shared vision for fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and supporting our creative industries as vital contributors to the region’s growth. While each country has its own requirements and ideas, by working together, governments and creative industry across the region can bring even more benefits to their citizens across each and every community.

“We reaffirm our commitment to operationalising the creative economy as a strategic sector for growth. By strengthening collaboration between Ministries of Culture, Education, and Economy, we will ensure that culture and creativity are embedded in national economic plans, innovation strategies, and skills development. This is an investment in the future of the region and its citizens.”

British Council programmes such as Culture & Creativity for the Western Balkans have trained thousands of cultural professionals and financed scores of start-ups, while links with UK institutions have opened new export markets for film, music and design. Building on today’s commitments, the British Council will launch a regional fund later this year to help creative entrepreneurs scale their ideas and reach international audiences, reinforcing the people-to-people ties at the heart of the Berlin Process.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 June 2025.

Statement by Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

Let me start by welcoming the strong commitment of the Syrian government to turn the page of history. We applaud Syria’s determination to ensure once and for all that the Assad era chemical weapons programme is destroyed.

The UK is greatly encouraged by Syria’s operational and logistical support to the deployments carried out by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, including access to sites and people, and by Syria’s commitment to engage with the international community.

We also welcome the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s deployments to Syria in March and April. The persistence and professionalism shown by OPCW staff in Syria has been exceptional. As has the consistently high quality of the Technical Secretariat’s work on this important file in a very challenging technical environment.

Important progress has been made towards setting up OPCW offices in Syria and the collection and analysis of samples.

These are vital steps towards Syria’s full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council resolution 2118, which the Assad regime so flagrantly violated.

There is, however, President, much more work to do in a difficult operational environment.

Due to the secrecy and complexity of Assad’s illegal chemical weapons programme, the precise extent of the challenge ahead is still unknown.

Allow me to make three brief points.

Firstly, both the Syrian government and the OPCW will need to be operationally agile to address any proliferation or health risks found in inspecting sites of concern.

The OPCW’s role is vital. As mandated by the Chemical Weapons Convention and by resolution 2118, the OPCW must verify the Syrian-led declaration and destruction of any remaining elements of Assad’s chemical weapons programme.

Secondly, to achieve this, the OPCW will need technical, financial and logistical assistance from the international community.

The OPCW has provided States Parties with its estimated costs for its work in Syria.

The UK has already provided more than $1 million to the OPCW Syria Missions to support their immediate work and will look to provide further assistance.

We join High Representative Nakamitsu in encouraging others to also provide the necessary resources. In particular, President, we welcome Qatar’s role in representing Syria at the OPCW in The Hague.

Finally, military action by neighbouring states risks delaying OPCW deployments as well as the preservation of evidence at chemical weapons sites. We therefore urge Israel to de-escalate their actions in Syria.

President, we have a historic opportunity to rid Syria of Assad’s chemical weapons.

Let us do our part to support Syria and the OPCW, to enable the new Syrian government to finally close the file on the scourge of chemical weapons use, and on this dark chapter in Syria’s history.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 June 2025.

UK and Canada thank the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities for his active start in the role and urge continued prioritisation of support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Thank you, Mister Chair.  I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada and the UK.

High Commissioner, dear Christophe, welcome back to the Permanent Council.  Since this is your first report in this capacity, allow us officially to congratulate you on your appointment and for hitting the ground running.  You have had a very active start to your tenure, as demonstrated by your comprehensive report today.

The UK and Canada are strong supporters of your mandate and the work of your office in promoting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities.

We commend your extensive engagement with – and visits to – a number of our participating States, including Moldova and Central Asia.  We welcome the transparency around your activities, which you have achieved without undermining the “quiet diplomacy” that is an important characteristic of your mandate.

The UK and Canada greatly value your Office’s continued attention to the intersectionality of gender and national minorities.  It is in all our interests that we fully support women’s and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of public life, including in peace and security.  We agree with you, High Commissioner, that greater gender equality in societies contributes to greater comprehensive security for us all.

We also welcome that you have prioritised support to Ukraine, including an early visit.  We commend the strides that the Ukrainian authorities have made in strengthening the legal and policy frameworks for protecting national minorities and preparing the ground for inclusive education reforms.  This progress provides a promising foundation for Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery.

High Commissioner, your office plays a crucial role which is as important today as it was when created more than 30 years ago. But like most of the OSCE’s tools, it can only play this role when the political will exists to permit it.

The situation in Ukraine is a case in point.  Your predecessor noted prior to the full-scale invasion that Ukraine was “working to maintain the delicate balance between the interests and rights of all groups in society”.  Rather than engage in good faith dialogue, Russia has weaponised the issue of minorities. And the irony is that those Ukrainians who Russia claimed to be protecting, have suffered greatly from its invasion.

The UK and Canada support your office’s continued focus on the situation in the areas of Ukraine’s sovereign territory temporarily under Russian control.  We condemn Russia’s systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity in these areas, including forced passportisation and the deportation of children.  The deeply concerning situation in Crimea, including widescale repression of Crimean Tatars, has been well documented by numerous independent organisations.

High Commissioner, dear Christophe, we thank you and your team for your considerable efforts in the period covered by your report.  You can rely on the UK and Canada’s continued support for your institution in the years ahead.  Thank you.

And thank you, Mister Chair.