Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

Mr Charles King has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in succession to Mr Michael Nithavrianakis MVO. Mr King will take up his appointment during May 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Charles Nicholas King

Year	Role
2023 to 2024	FCDO, Joint Head of Israel/OPTs Gaza Taskforce
2020 to 2023	FCDO, Head of Levant and North Africa Department and UK Special Representative for Syria
2017 to 2020	Paris, Counsellor, Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs
2015 to 2016	FCO, Chief of Staff to Jonathan Powell, PM’s Special Representative for Libya
2012 to 2015	Istanbul, Head of Syria Office
2010 to 2012	FCO, Head of Afghanistan Reconciliation and Regional Team
2009 to 2010	Baghdad, Deputy Head of Political Section
2008 to 2009	Damascus, Second Secretary Political/Economic
2007 to 2008	Cairo, Arabic language training
2006 to 2007	FCO, Head of Africa/Middle East Consular Casework Team
2004 to 2006	FCO, Deputy Head of EU Accessions Bill Team and Desk Officer for Romania and Bulgaria
2004	Joined FCO

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 19 February 2025.

Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan says that the UK’s priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations.

Thank you, Mr Chair. The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine is unwavering. Our support is not only about providing military assistance, which remains crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s ability to defend itself, but also about standing by Ukraine as it seeks a just and lasting peace. As we take stock, it seems timely to reiterate the importance of the principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

Principle I includes the phrase: ‘Sovereign equality, respect for the rights inherent in sovereignty, including the right to belong or not to belong to international organisations.’

On 14 February the Prime Minister yet again reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO and has since called for ongoing support from Allies, as agreed at the Washington Summit last year. Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO reflects its desire for security and recognition of shared values on democracy, rule of law, and human rights. The UK believes Ukraine’s NATO membership would strengthen the Alliance and contribute to European stability and security. NATO has shown its commitment to Ukraine’s security through military support, training, and intelligence-sharing, and remains determined to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Principle III includes the phrase: ‘Inviolability of frontiers. States will refrain from any demand for, or act of, seizure and usurpation of part or all of the territory of any participating State.’

Principle IV includes the phrase: ‘Territorial integrity of States. States will refrain from making each other’s territory the object of military occupation or other measures of force in contravention of international law. No such occupation or acquisition will be recognized as legal.’

We all want to reach a durable peace as soon as possible, no one more so than Ukraine. Russia could end this war tomorrow, if Russia chose to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and withdraw its troops.  A just and lasting peace is only possible if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against continued Russian aggression.  The UK stands firmly with Ukraine in its struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and security.

Principle V includes the phrase: ‘Peaceful settlement of disputes. States will use means such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, or other peaceful means of their choice, including any settlement procedure agreed to in advance of disputes to which they are parties.’

We understand that peace cannot be achieved through force alone but through a comprehensive, diplomatic process that respects the rights and aspirations of the Ukrainian people. And we must be clear that peace cannot come at any cost. It is vital that Ukraine’s voice is at the heart of any talks. President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have shown the most extraordinary resilience. This is why the UK continues to work closely with its allies to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for legitimate negotiation when the time comes.

Peace comes through strength. This is the moment for us all to step up – and the PM has made clear that the UK will do so, because it is the right thing to do for the values we hold dear, and because it is fundamental to our own national security. Ukraine needs strong security guarantees, further lethal aid, and a sovereign future. The UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine’s military – where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030.

In closing, it is critical to note that Ukraine is still fighting with immense courage. Our priority is to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for negotiations, and we believe Ukraine’s future is in NATO, as a member of a secure and stable Europe. The UK remains resolute in its belief that Ukraine must have a central role in shaping its future. This illegal war instigated by Russia can end only when Russia chooses to withdraw its forces and cease its unlawful aggression, allowing Ukraine to chart its own course free from external threats. At this crucial moment, we will not step back but step up our support to Ukraine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations.

But 80 years since its creation, with more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we are falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain.

The climate crisis is accelerating and the Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.

Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis.

In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 Member States, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members.

We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or unipolar one, whose challenges, climate, pandemics and cyber security are more transnational than national.

As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system.

Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges.

2025, the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path.

Next month we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing +30 meeting; in June we have the UN Oceans Conference; in July FFD4.  And later in the year the UN Social Summit and COP30, back in Brazil.

Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns.

Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home.

Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security.

Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights.

This starts first and foremost with the defence of the UN Charter as colleagues have references.

Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression.

We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace.

For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan.

We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts, as well as a renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen.

This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard.

We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve.

Attacks against them are unacceptable.

We honour, in particular today, MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC.

Finally, in the face of growing global crises, from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN’s development and humanitarian programmes, across its agencies.

In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid.

We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need.

Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery.

In conclusion, President, colleagues, the Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre.

While reform of its membership is needed and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate.

We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively and, as the Secretary-General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know is within reach.

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

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner today (18 February) following advances made by the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern DRC.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

“The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“These advances constitute an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defence Force troops from Congolese territory.

“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes.”

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

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34).

Peacekeeping is one of the UN’s most valuable tools to support global peace and security, including by preventing conflicts from escalating and creating space for political solutions. However, the nature of conflict is evolving and so must our approaches to addressing them.

I will make three points.

First, this year marks the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognised the vital role women play in supporting peace and security.

To promote this agenda, the UK is proud to serve as co-chair of the Elsie Initiative for 2025, advancing the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping, which, in turn, enhances the operational effectiveness of missions.

We also recognise the critical role that peace operations can play in countering conflict-related sexual violence. We should ensure that peacekeepers are equipped with comprehensive training to help them prevent and respond to the growing threat of sexual and gender-based violence.

We also need to ensure the highest standards in peace operations. This requires a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse with stronger mechanisms to respond to instances where it occurs.

Second, peacekeeping depends on strong cooperation between the UN and Member States, including host countries and regional partners. We should continue enhancing collaboration and partnerships, including with regional organisations, in order to give missions the best chance of success. Security Council resolution 2719, enabling AU-led peace operations to access UN-assessed contributions, was an important step. And the UK supports the use of 2719 for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

We should also continue to challenge restrictions on the freedom of movement of missions, and violations of the Status of Forces Agreements which make mandates harder to deliver and undermine the protection of civilians.

Third, peacekeeping in 2025 remains a dangerous activity. I pay tribute to the 61 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024 and four so far in 2025. Attacks on UN peacekeepers are absolutely unacceptable and may constitute war crimes.

We particularly note the work and bravery of MONUSCO peacekeepers currently serving in Eastern DRC. They have worked tirelessly, and under great pressure, to deliver their mandate, especially the protection of civilians, in the face of M23’s takeover of Goma with support from the Rwandan Defence Forces.

To safeguard missions, we need robust contingency plans, intelligence capabilities, effective strategic communications, and measures to counter misinformation and disinformation. Peacekeepers should be equipped with the tools they need.

To conclude, the United Kingdom underscores its support for UN peacekeeping. We remain committed to working with partners to strengthen peacekeeping’s effectiveness and to ensure it can adapt to new challenges. We look forward to constructive discussions over the coming weeks and to agreeing a report which will help steer the work of the UN and its Member States over the coming year.

Thank you.

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

Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, following the vote on the UN Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the 1591 Committee Panel of Experts.

We voted in favour of this resolution renewing the 1591 Panel of Experts and we thank the US for leading the negotiations.

I’ll make two points.

First, I want to highlight the catastrophic situation currently faced by thousands of displaced people at Zamzam Camp in Darfur.

We’ve seen reports that the Rapid Support Forces have launched a further assault contrary to this council’s demands in Resolution 2736.

There are harrowing accounts of shelling and targeting of civilians.

It’s reported that at least 40 civilians have been killed and shelters have been razed to the ground.

These are people who were already facing devastating levels of humanitarian need, including famine.

So we condemn these attacks.

We underscore the need for the protection of civilians in line with international law and the commitments made by the warring parties in the 2023 Jeddah Declaration.

The situation underscores the continued importance of the Panel’s reporting to support the Council’s work on Sudan.

And once again, we call on all Member States to refrain from external interference, which foments conflict and instability, and instead to support mediation efforts for a durable peace.

Second, we note that while the UK welcomes the renewal of the Panel’s mandate for a further 12 months, we would have preferred to maintain previous language which, among other things, called for the parties to the conflict to cease violations of international humanitarian law and abuses and violations of international human rights law, and strongly condemned attacks against civilians, including sexual and gender based violence.

President, it is vital that this Council remain focused on protecting civilians in Sudan given the violence being committed against so many.

The UK will continue to press for a much more urgent and more effective international response to the crisis, including a reinvigorated mediation process.

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

The UK and partners pay tribute to Alexei Navalny.

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur’s reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners.

Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

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

UK Statement at Madagascar’s World Trade Organization Trade Policy Review. Delivered on 12 February 2025.

1. Let me begin by offering a warm welcome to the delegation from Madagascar led by Her Excellency Priscilla Andrianarivo. I thank Madagascar for the significant preparations and work which I know go into a Trade Policy Review and we express our gratitude to colleagues from the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports, and as ever, to our Discussant, Her Excellency Ms Clara Delgado Jesus, for their insightful comments.
2. Chair, we are grateful for the Reports provided by this Trade Policy Review, which have given us important insights into Madagascar’s own economic efforts, and reforms, over the review period.
3. As we have heard this morning regarding Madagascar’s aspirations on trade, the Reports highlights the growth in trade Madagascar has seen over the period of review, initially accounting for just under half of GDP to now over two thirds.
4. We welcome continued efforts to integrate into global supply chains and note that this is key to addressing the severe levels of poverty that are present. The Reports note the importance of Madagascar realising its growth potential through improving the economy and tackling corruption; we look forward to supporting Madagascar to go further and faster on this.
5. We hope to also see further growth in Foreign Direct Investment; Madagascar’s location and array of resources make it an attractive destination for this and we hope to see the recent reforms to the Mining Code and the introduction of the new Investment Law create even more opportunities here. In this context it would be remiss of me not to mention the opportunities that the International Foodservices Distribution Association (IFDA) could afford here and we encourage Madagascar to consider their participation.
6. Chair, the UK and Madagascar have a positive and longstanding relationship. As well as being the first official diplomatic partner Madagascar ever had, the UK and the English language has been a consistently trusted and regular feature in Madagascar.  We are particularly pleased to see this relationship marked last November by Lord Collins, FCDO Minister for Africa, meeting with General Ravalomanana.
7. This was a valuable conversation and we were particularly pleased to hear of the focus on deforestation and the importance of raising awareness on its impact. One of the first things most people picture when thinking of Madagascar is your beautiful landscapes. These initiatives are crucial in preserving Madagascar’s natural environment, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity remain intact for future generations, as well as visitors.
8. In this conversation we also encouraged Madagascar to interrogate the decline in per capita income since independence in 1960 and promoted the need for national industrialisation to tackle extreme poverty. We discussed economic diversification and the value of new partnerships. We look forward to seeing increased efforts to deliver regulatory reforms and the types of government-backed initiatives that make Madagascar a more accessible and easier-to-navigate option for foreign investors.
9. Our relationship recently reached another significant milestone with Madagascar entering into our regional Economic Partnership Agreement. This will offer better access to the UK market, stimulate growth through foreign investment and increase development cooperation, which can support infrastructure, natural resources, and environmental projects in Madagascar. We hope this year we can propel our technical engagement in order to see trade between our countries flourish.
10. There are also some exciting engagements to look forward to. Next week, the International Trade Centre and the UK Trade Partnerships Programme bring together operators in the textile industry to prepare Malagasy enterprises on the new sustainability regulations for UK market and the EU.
11. I also welcome Madagascar’s efforts to support women in trade and gender equality, in particular its work to meet AfCFTA protocols [the African Continental Free Trade Area]. The UK encourages Madagascar’s engagement in the important work happening here in Geneva too, to which they can make valuable contribution, not least the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender, of which my Ambassador co-chairs, along with our esteemed discussant today.
12. As a member of several negotiation groups at the WTO, such as the G90, the African Group, ACP, the LDC group and the G33, we hope Madagascar continues to make the most of support available to LDC Members. For example, the Enhanced Integrated Framework, providing in-country technical assistance and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law which provides legal support on WTO issues, both of which the UK is very pleased to support.
13. As we consider participation in activities here in Geneva, and the opportunities, I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage Madagascar to ratify the ‘Fish 1’ agreement, as well as to consider their participation in the e-commerce JI, and on domestic regulation, in addition to the aforementioned IFDA.
14. Chair, Trade Policy Reviews are an important time of reflection. It is a time to both take stock of successes and to set goals. In this regard, it is positive to hear that the government has expressed willingness to liberalise the market and to attract more investors, notably with the promotion of the Special Economic Zone and the new Investment Law.
15. We encourage Madagascar to address barriers around monopolies and dominance in certain markets. We look forward to proactive steps to encourage competition, particularly in the telecommunications, vanilla, lychee, and renewables industries.
16. I’d also like to take this chance to underline the valuable potential for expansion in renewable energy in Madagascar and say that the UK is committed to accelerating the global clean power transition and to work with countries who share our ambitions on this.
17. Finally, Chair, I wanted to end with a few words of Malagasy wisdom, from the epic poem Ibonia: “So long as this tree is green and healthy, I will be all right”. Cultivating an economy aligned with the international rules-based order of which the WTO is part of will mean not just Madagascar, or the WTO blossoms: we all do.
18. Again, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat, the discussant and Madagascar for the huge amount of work that goes into a Trade Policy Review, and for the informative answers to our questions. We hope this will be a valuable exercise in transparency.

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

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security.

President, Russia is once again using this meeting in an attempt to distort the truth behind its illegal war. I will make three points about lessons.

First, the events of the last decade in Ukraine originate from a simple, sad reality: Russia’s imperialist ambition and failure to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Russia is not a reliable party to agreements or treaties.

In freely signing up to the Minsk Agreements, Russia had the opportunity to ensure peace.

Russia and Ukraine were the sole parties to these agreements.

And this Council consistently called on all parties to implement their commitments in full, right up until the moment when President Putin decided that, on 22 February 2022, I quote the Minsk Agreement ‘no longer existed.’

Second, Russia continues to violate the UN Charter and international law in multiple ways.

In its war in Ukraine, Russia has targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure, hospitals, schools, energy infrastructure, it has abducted children, it has raped women, it has compromised nuclear safety and security, flouted international law, and tortured detainees.

For all these reasons, it is no surprise that the ICJ has issued an indictment on President Putin.

We will not tolerate Russia’s attempts to spread disinformation and divert this Council’s attention away from its atrocities, or efforts to subjugate a sovereign state.

Russia is the sole architect of the war in Ukraine and could end it now if it chose to by withdrawing its forces.

Third lesson is that the international community must stand firm in support of peace and security.

No one wants this war to end more than Ukraine.

But Putin’s so-called preconditions for talks – reaffirmed by his deputy Foreign Minister just a few days ago – have been that Ukraine withdraw from its own sovereign territory, and abandon its sovereign right to choose its alliances.

No country could or should accept this.

We can and must create the conditions for a just and lasting peace, which protects Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and independence.

This will require robust security arrangements from the outset, which ensure that Russia is never able to invade again.

Putin has shown time and again that he will break a weak deal.

The UK will continue to play our part.

We will continue to provide concrete support for Ukraine’s self-defence and security for as long as it is needed.

And we are clear that Ukraine’s voice must be at the heart of any negotiations.

Let me conclude, President, by reminding Russia that the suffering of so many Ukrainians today simply would not exist if Russia fulfilled its most basic obligation as a member of the United Nations: to respect the principles of the UN Charter.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 20 February 2025.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance commemorates 25 years of the Stockholm Declaration and looks ahead to the future of Holocaust remembrance.

On Monday 17 February, the UK presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) welcomed Heads of Delegation from the 35 IHRA Member Countries to London for an event to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration on Holocaust Remembrance. We also invited key figures who played an important role in shaping international activity on Holocaust education, remembrance and research over the past 25 years, as well as Holocaust survivors, representatives of the Jewish community and civil society.

The UK government is committed to international co-operation to promote education, remembrance and research about the Holocaust. The UK was one of the founding signatories of the Stockholm Declaration in 2000, through which we pledged that the terrible events of the Holocaust would remain forever seared in our collective memory.  This commemoration event provided an important opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved in terms of promoting Holocaust remembrance, and look ahead to the future.

IHRA Chair and UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues Lord Pickles reflected on the achievements of the past 25 years. He noted that the pledges made 25 years ago were still as relevant today as they were in 2000. Lord Pickles stressed the importance of safeguarding Holocaust sites, opening up Holocaust-related archives, and the promotion of testimony and Holocaust-related objects. He also drew attention to the dangers caused by ongoing Holocaust distortion, adding that the truth can never harm us.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President Bill Clinton both addressed the audience via video message. They reflected on their efforts, alongside former Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson, to strengthen international co-operation on Holocaust remembrance 25 years ago and to bring together world leaders to sign the Stockholm Declaration and form the IHRA.

Looking ahead to the future, participants emphasised that further collective action was needed to tackle the challenges of Holocaust distortion and the global rise of antisemitism. The role of emerging technologies was also highlighted as an area to explore, given the potential to harness artificial intelligence as a force for good in Holocaust education. All agreed that it was essential to continue to educate about the facts of the Holocaust, to ensure the truth is never forgotten.