Tag: Foreign Office

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

Respect for sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity were key areas of discussion during the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue in London on 26 February, 2025.

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London on 26 February 2025 for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable, and the first annual political dialogue under the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan affirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, and a growing economic relationship.

Both sides noted deepening geopolitical tensions, stressed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, and called on all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. They agreed to continue to work closely to uphold international law and advance our shared principles.

Economic growth

The Ministers confirmed that the UK and Mongolia will work together with a view to increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries – to drive mutual economic growth

They agreed to continue discussions with UK Export Finance to explore support for the construction of the metro system in Ulaanbaatar.

Talks also focused on facilitating trade and investment by working towards the removal of barriers to trade and red tape, and creating stable and transparent business environments.

Energy transition

The Ministers stressed the urgency of action to address the impacts of climate change. They committed to achieving the UK and Mongolia’s NDC and welcomed the recent allocation from the NDC Partnership to Mongolia, including funding from the UK, to reach Mongolia’s climate goals.

They encouraged greater public-private partnerships to leverage public finance for private sector investment in line with both countries’ climate strategies.

They looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 on Desertification in 2026 and agreed to facilitate an exchange of experts to support preparations for and the outcome of COP17.

Women’s empowerment

The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to gender equality and to expanding the number of women elected to both parliaments. Minister West welcomed the expanded number of female parliamentarians in the Mongolian parliament following elections in 2024, and commended Mongolia for its quota target of 40% of female candidates by 2028. UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia Political Dialogue Amarsaikhan welcomed the UK achieving its highest level of female representation in the UK parliament following the 2024 UK general election.

The ministers agreed to work together in multilateral fora ahead of the 30th anniversary of the “Beijing Declaration and Platform Action”.

Critical minerals

The Ministers agreed on the importance of extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth in a manner that preserves Mongolia’s unique environmental legacy. They discussed the importance of responsible mining, and of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as investing in Mongolian’s skills development.

In this regard, both sides expressed their commitment to cooperate within the framework of Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals.

Education, Civil Society and People-to-people ties

The Ministers noted the strength of people-to-people ties between the UK and Mongolia, including the exchange of students through the Chevening Scholarship programme and “Mission 2100” scholarship programme initiated by the President of Mongolia.

Minister West reaffirmed the UK’s support for English language teaching in Mongolia and both ministers welcomed the progress in expanding English language provision. This could include building on existing partnerships with British companies to increase access to and improve the quality of English Language teaching, as well as supporting remote and disadvantaged communities with UK Overseas Development Assistance.

The Ministers agreed to explore possibilities to expand higher education opportunities for Mongolian students, including through the Chevening Scholarship, and to expand partnerships between universities.

They looked forward to the exhibition of the Arts of the Mongol World to be held at the Royal Academy in 2027, and welcomed expanding cultural cooperation.

They noted the important contribution that civil society organisations play in democratic societies, and committed to continue to engage with and seek inputs from civil society organisations representing a broad range of communities to strengthen democratic debate.

Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan looked forward to and highlighted the importance of future high-level visits between the UK and Mongolia.

On the side lines of the roundtable meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, the Ministers held constructive and fruitful discussions on further broadening the bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of trade and economic cooperation.

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

The UK, Canada, Iceland and Norway underline non-recognition of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025.

Thank you, Mr Chair. I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Norway, and my own country the United Kingdom.

We were concerned to hear of the illegal so-called Presidential elections in Georgia’s Abkhazia region on 15 February 2025.  We do not recognise the legitimacy of these elections.

We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We continue to call on the Russian Federation to reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Georgia’s Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions.

We call upon the Russian Federation to immediately fulfil its obligation under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, fulfil its commitments to allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and cease all borderisation tactics.

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

UK Statement at the 58 Human Rights Council during the Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Delivered by Eleanor Sanders, Human Rights Ambassador.

High Commissioner, thank you for your update.

Back on 7 October 2023, Israel suffered the worst terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas: the hostages have suffered an unbearable trauma.

The people of Gaza, so many of whom have lost their lives, homes or loved ones, have also experienced a living nightmare.

We’ve been crystal clear. Palestinian civilians must be permitted to return to their communities and rebuild. It is for Palestinians to determine the future of Gaza. And international humanitarian law must be respected.

In the West Bank, the UK is deeply concerned at the expansion of Israel’s war aims and operations. Civilians must be protected.

But let me be clear, the UK is opposed to the existence of item 7. The UK wants to see all countries face appropriate scrutiny of their human rights record but opposes the disproportionate focus of this item.

Mr President,

The UK has urged all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full, and support efforts to move to phase two and a sustainable peace.

Indeed, let me reaffirm, once again, our support for a credible pathway towards a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis, based on a two-state solution where they live side-by-side in peace, dignity and security.

Thank you.

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

UK Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, cites multiple independently-verified sources documenting Russia’s widespread use of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war, a clear violation of its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

Thank you, Mr Chair.  This month marked eleven years since Russia began its illegal annexation of Crimea.  Earlier this week marked three years since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, enabled by Belarus.  Each week, this Forum has executed its mandate by recording the related breaches of OSCE commitments and violations of international law.

At last month’s FSC Opening Session, the Russian Delegation called on us to “create favourable conditions for the fulfilment of the [FSC’s] mandate … including the Code of Conduct”.  We agree.

As Russia knows, paragraphs 30, 31 and 34 of the Code of Conduct compel States to ensure that their armed and security forces abide by international law.  As Russia knows, Paragraph 34 explicitly references the Hague Conventions and the Geneva Conventions.  As Russia knows, I will only cite independently-verified, internationally-respected sources.

Mandate after mandate, the UN has consistently reported that the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by the Russian authorities is widespread and systematic.  In recent months, assessments have only worsened.  The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has concluded that Russia’s use of torture against POWs and civilian detainees amounts to “crimes against humanity”.

The OHCHR continued to document the “widespread use of torture and ill-treatment”, including sexual violence, against civilians and Ukrainian prisoners of war held by the Russian Federation. The OHCHR also documented the continued efforts of family members to obtain information about the fate and whereabouts of civilian detainees and POWs in captivity.

Mr Chair, Russia must abide by its Geneva Convention obligations.  This means it must treat all civilian detainees and prisoners of war humanely.  It must also allow immediate unimpeded access by the ICRC.

The UK condemns Russia’s exploitation of Prisoners of War for political and propaganda purposes. We are deeply concerned that Russia has detained two British nationals Mr James Anderson and Mr Hayden Davies on false charges of so-called mercenaryism. They are not mercenaries. They are Prisoners of War. Ukraine has confirmed that both are members of Ukrainian Armed Forces. They must be provided all the rights and protections afforded to Prisoners of War under the Geneva Conventions. We demand Russia respects its obligations under International Law.

The Code of Conduct commits us to act in solidarity if OSCE norms and commitments are violated.  As catalogued by the OSCE Moscow Mechanisms, ODIHR and UN, there is irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law, including international humanitarian law.  As per paragraph 1 of the Code, such breaches are a “direct and legitimate” concern for us all.

That is why we call on Russia to respect the Geneva Conventions and ensure the humane treatment of Prisoners of War.  That is why Russia must also release all civilians who have been arbitrarily detained – including the three Special Monitoring Mission staff.  Thank you.

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

At the second Trade Policy Review of Ukraine, the UK and Members from across the WTO reiterated their unwavering solidarity and support for Ukraine in a joint statement at the World Trade Organization.

We, the delegations of the undersigned WTO Members, on the occasion of the Second Trade Policy Review of Ukraine in the WTO, held on 26 and 28 February 2025, reiterate our full support for and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We express our deep sadness at the devastating human losses and profound suffering caused by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues for the fourth year in gross violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

We reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity and call for the Russian Federation to immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have devastating global and regional impacts, including on Ukraine’s economy and ability to trade. The destruction of significant parts of Ukraine’s transport routes, port infrastructure, and grain storage facilities as well as the mining of millions of hectares of agricultural land is impeding Ukraine’s ability to produce, export, and import. We are gravely concerned about the consequences of this destruction for Ukraine and for global trade, in particular with regard to the supply to international markets of a number of key commodities produced by Ukraine, including agricultural and food products, fertilisers, and critical minerals. We are also deeply concerned by reports of attacks on civilian vessels transporting agricultural goods from Ukrainian Black Sea ports and millions of tonnes of grain being plundered by Russia from illegally occupied regions of Ukraine using falsified phytosanitary certificates and hiding vessels’ data. These actions violate the principles and values of the WTO.

Ukraine is one of the world’s top exporters of key agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, barley, soybeans and sunflower oil. We recognise Ukraine’s determination, despite Russia’s war of aggression, to ensure global food security and supply to some of the most vulnerable parts of the world, particularly developing countries and LDCs. In this regard, the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative, which has already helped to feed 20 million people in 13 countries, continues to be an important tool to help to respond to world hunger. We praise Ukraine’s achievement of maintaining under difficult conditions food exports by its Black Sea corridor to global markets and commend the ongoing functioning of the EU Solidarity Lanes and their contribution to global food security and Ukraine’s economy. This benefits all countries, notably the most in need. In this context, it is necessary to ensure free, full, and safe navigation in the Black and Azov Seas and that sea routes and ports are not threatened or blocked by threat of or use of force.

We underscore the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine, in full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, based on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We welcome Ukraine’s efforts aimed at achieving peace, including through the principles laid out in the Peace Formula and Joint Communiqué on a Peace Framework adopted at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine on Bürgenstock. We reiterate that the Russian Federation must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for injury and loss, including for any humanitarian, economic, and environmental damage caused by such acts.

We will continue work to support Ukraine and to facilitate its exports and supply chains for the benefit of global food security. We encourage all WTO Members to do likewise in a manner commensurate with their capacity, including by facilitating the use of infrastructure, as well as facilitating and simplifying customs procedures. Within the capacity of each WTO Member, we will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine to alleviate the suffering of the Ukrainian people. We will also continue to look for practical ways to help and assist Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts, economic recovery, activities, and projects to overcome the negative consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.

Albania, Australia, Canada, Chile, European Union, Georgia, Iceland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, New Zealand, Republic of Moldova, Norway, Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

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

Dame Sarah MacIntosh DCMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Australia in succession to Mrs Victoria Treadell CMG, MVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Dame Sarah will take up her appointment during April 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Dame Sarah MacIntosh DCMG

Year	Role
2022 to 2024	Prime Minister’s Adviser on International Affairs and Deputy National Security Adviser
2017 to 2022	NATO, Brussels, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
2014 to 2016	FCO, Director General, Defence & Intelligence
2011 TO 2014	FCO, Director, Defence & International Security
2009 to 2010	FCO, Director, Strategic Finance
2008 to 2009	Harvard University, Fellow
2006 to 2008	Freetown, British High Commissioner, and Her Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to Liberia
2004 to 2005	UN Mission in Kosovo, Strategy Coordinator
2003 to 2004	FCO, Deputy Head, Conflict Group
2002 to 2003	FCO, United Nations Dept, Deputy Head
2000 to 2002	New York, UK Mission to the UN, Development, Macroeconomics and Health
1997 to 2000	FCO, Strategic Planning
1996 to 1997	Madrid, EU and Economic Affairs
1994 to 1995	Vienna, UK Mission to the UN, Nuclear and Drugs
1991 to 1993	FCO, UN Peacekeeping

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

Mr Neil Bradley has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia in succession to Mr Charles Moore who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Bradley will take up his appointment during April 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Neil Andrew Bradley

Year	Role
2020 to 2025	Monrovia, His Majesty’s Ambassador
2017 to 2020	FCO, Head of Human Rights Policy Unit
2015 to 2016	Brussels, Head of UK-EU Funding Unit, UK Permanent Representation to the EU
2011 to 2015	Pretoria, Political Counsellor, Secondment to the European External Action Service, EU Delegation South Africa
2008 to 2011	Pretoria, Political Counsellor
2006 to 2008	FCO, Deputy Head, Migration Group
2000 to 2006	Brussels, First Secretary, Justice and Home Affairs Section, UK Permanent Representation to the EU
2000	Joined FCO, pre-posting training (including French Language training)
1998 to 2000	Joint Home Office/Cabinet Office Unit, Head of Voluntary Sector Relations Section
1993 to 1998	Home Office, Fast Stream Entrant

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

HMA Danielle Dunne presented her credentials to President Santiago Peña as the new British Ambassador to Paraguay.

In a protocol act held this morning at the Government Palace, Her Excellency Danielle Dunne, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Paraguay, made the official presentation of her credentials to Paraguayan President, Santiago Peña.

Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, together with other national authorities and diplomatic representatives of Paraguay and the United Kingdom, attended the ceremony. On the occasion, President Peña also received the credential letters of the United Arab Emirates ambassador, Arsaghira Wabran Hamad Mubarak al-Ahbabi.

Next, Ambassador Dunne went to Panteón de los Héroes, a memorial site in the city of Asuncion, to make a floral offering to the Paraguayan national heroes on the occasion of the next commemoration of the Heroes Day in country.

During the meeting, Ambassador Dunne reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to continue strengthening bilateral ties with Paraguay, through an approach oriented to the development of bilateral trade, the fight against climate change and sustainable development.

Danielle Dunne has been appointed Ambassador of His Majesty King Charles III in succession of Mr. Ramin Navai, who moved to another destination within the British diplomatic service. Mrs. Dunne arrived in the country in early 2025 and served as director of the Western African anti -terrorism network and Sahel in Abuja, Nigeria, before arriving in Paraguay.

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

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

President, nearly two years since the start of this war, and once again I cannot fail to be struck by the reports of death and destruction.

More violence. More families ripped apart. More children starving.

Last month, my Foreign Secretary visited Adré and heard first-hand about the suffering faced by women. The suffering of sexual violence, of rape, of hunger, who had fled the conflict.

It does not need to be this way.

The parties to the conflict can take actions now to end the suffering.

And I’d like to highlight three priorities.

First, we urge the parties to end their military ambitions and focus on creating the conditions for peace, including through full co-operation with UN and African Union mediation efforts.

We share the Secretary-General’s deep concern at the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated civilian actors and armed groups of a political charter that expresses an intention to establish a governing authority in areas of their control.

Deepened divisions risk even further destabilisation in Sudan and the region.

Respect for Sudan’s charter rights, its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital and will be necessary for a sustainable end to this war.

In April, my Foreign Secretary will invite Foreign Ministers from some 20 states and international organisations to London, for discussions focused on supporting a peaceful way forward for the Sudanese people.

Second, both parties must facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to people in need.

The decision by the Sudanese Armed Forces to keep the Adré border crossing open is welcome.

But with over 30 million people in humanitarian need, it is simply not enough.

We urge the SAF to open Adré permanently, and authorise the use of further regional border crossings.

We call on both sides to lift unnecessary bureaucratic impediments which are delaying aid deliveries by weeks, and to provide humanitarian actors with security guarantees to operate safely.

Third, we reiterate the Council’s calls for the Rapid Support Forces to end their siege on El Fasher and cease all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

We call on both parties to protect civilians, in line with their obligations under the Jeddah Declaration.

Mr President, the parties to the conflict should act now to end this suffering.

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

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

We welcome the return of the hostages during Phase One, after an appalling ordeal.

And we call for the release of all the remaining hostages, including Avinatan Or, who also has links to the UK.

We mourn the death of Oded Lifshitz, who had strong links to the UK, and we strongly condemn the vile killing of the Bibas family and the lack of dignity provided to deceased hostages.

We support all work, all efforts to hold to account Hamas, the PIJ and other terrorists who kidnapped so many innocents on October 7th.

And I recall that this Council has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in all four of our resolutions since October 7th and I repeat that call today.

The ceasefire agreement reached on January 16th marked a crucial first step towards ending the devastation and suffering in Gaza and achieving a sustainable peace.

We are calling for three things.

First, Palestinian civilians should be able to return home and rebuild their lives.

The people of Gaza have suffered unimaginable horrors, with over 46,000 people killed, and homes and lives destroyed.

The UK supports regional efforts to cohere around a single plan for the next phase and reconstruction in Gaza.

These plans should be Palestinian led with the PA front and centre along with a strong role for civil society.

Second, we welcome the improvement in aid supplies since the ceasefire agreement. But make no mistake, the humanitarian situation remains dire.

We still need to see a sustained increase in the volume and types of goods reaching civilians, especially shelter and medical items.

There can be no backsliding on this.

We call for an urgent update to the “dual use list” to allow essential supplies in, and for commercial deliveries to be reinstated.

The ceasefire has demonstrated the central role of the UN and humanitarian actors, including UNRWA.

However, the humanitarian space is tightening with ongoing visa restrictions and legislative proposals impacting NGOs.

So we call on Israel to continue to work with the UN and partners to ensure aid reaches people in need.

Third, the UK is seriously concerned at the expansion of Israel’s operations killing and displacing civilians in the West Bank.

We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, but it must show restraint and ensure its conduct is proportionate.

Restrictions on Palestinian movement in the West Bank are excessive.

These fuel further instability and jeopardise the prospects for long-term peace.

President, in conclusion, we urge all parties to sustain the ceasefire deal, implement the agreement in full and support efforts to move to phase two for the hostages and their families, for Gazan civilians and for all the Israeli and Palestinian people who deserve a peaceful and secure future on the basis of a two-state solution.