Tag: Foreign Office

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.

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

Statement highlighting UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds’ convening of a ministerial roundtable to urgently address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

On 13 February, the UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds MP, convened Ministers and other representatives virtually from Canada, Egypt, EU, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, UAE and USA with the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher. The participants discussed how to urgently address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Sudan where over 30 million people are in urgent need of assistance, more than 12 million are displaced and famine conditions have been confirmed.

The participants agreed on the critical need for both warring parties to adhere to their commitments agreed in the Jeddah Declaration to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief both into and throughout Sudan. They expressed concern that only a fraction of aid available has been able to reach those in most need and discussed the importance of all sides lifting the bureaucratic impediments that are unnecessarily blocking or delaying the distribution of aid.

They took note of other efforts to galvanise international action and attention on the humanitarian situation in Sudan, including the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan co-hosted by Ethiopia, UAE, the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development on 14 February that called for a Ramadan humanitarian pause and the launch of the 2025 UN Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan and the Regional Refugee Response Plan on 17 February.

The participants re-affirmed their commitment to the Sudanese people and agreed to re-convene at regular intervals to strengthen the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

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

The UK Armed Forces are working with allies to deliver joint exercises with African partners to protect our people, prosperity and shared values.

The UK Armed Forces have been one of the biggest contributors to two large-scale military exercises that are reaching their climax this week across the land and sea of East Africa. The United States is leading both exercises and has brought together over 2,000 personnel from the armed forces of 29 countries, including 22 African nations.

The UK is responsible for delivering component parts of these multinational training exercises, under United States stewardship. The UK has been one of the biggest contributors to the Exercise Justified Accord ‘Field Training Exercise (FTX)’ which sees B Company 3 RIFLES exercise alongside a company from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade, a company of Kenya Army infantry, a troop of Kenyan Marines, Kenya Airforce fixed wing and rotary wing assets and, one infantry platoon each from Tanzania and Somalia.

Exercise Justified Accord is a land multinational exercise being delivered between 10 – 21 February hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. It began with table-top exercises that have laid the foundation for full-scale live activity, which are now underway. The action-packed drills involve coordinating and executing ground attacks, calling in air-support, urban warfare, using drones, and breaching and clearing buildings, as well as medical evacuations.

Cutlass Express is being conducted simultaneously, mostly in Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. It is a naval warfare exercise which focuses on boarding various types of vessels at high speed to take command and control. The exercise challenges teams to complete scenarios which become increasingly harder and involve different types of vessels – from boarding small boats and dhows, to gaining control of larger vessels whilst under fire.

In another example of the United Kingdom and the United States being long-term partners for long-term stability and security, Exercise Cutlass Express is taking place for the 15th time, whilst Exercise Justified Accord has been conducted in various forms since 1998. Further joint exercises with African partners are planned for 2025.

Both exercises will ensure that the different forces involved work together to achieve combat objectives and prepare for real-life scenarios where they may have to collaborate quickly and effectively to counter threats in the region.

Falling just after the election of the new African Union Chairperson, the exercises also support the African Union’s security objectives by preparing partners for United Nations and African Union missions in Africa.

It serves as another example of the UK’s support for improved security not just in East Africa, but across the whole of Africa. These include the creation of the history-making, first-ever Kenyan marines and joint-training with the special forces of Nigeria and Ghana.

Olly Bryant, Defence Attaché at the British High Commission Nairobi, said:

The UK is a long-term partner, helping to deliver long-term stability and security across East Africa, and we are proud to be working with our allies on delivering high-capacity and high-quality activity. We are also proud of our security partnerships with our partners across Africa, which protect our people, prosperity and shared interests – we go far when we go together.

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

Mr Alex Pinfield OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco in succession to Mr Simon Martin CMG.  Mr Pinfield will take up his appointment during August 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name: Alexander Giles Pinfield

Year	Role
2022-2024	FCDO, Head of Iran Unit
2021-2022	FCDO, Head of Afghanistan Policy Department
2021	Kabul, Deputy Ambassador
2020	FCDO, Head of International Human Resources
2017-2020	FCO, Head of China Department
2016	Cabinet Office, Deputy Director, National Security Secretariat
2013 -2015	FCO, Head of Syria Unit
2009-2013	Canberra, Head of Foreign Policy Section
2007-2009	Tehran, First Secretary (Head of Political Section)
2006	Pre-posting training (including Farsi language training)
2005-2006	Cabinet Office, Middle East analyst
2002-2005	Beijing, Second Secretary (Press and Public Affairs)
2000-2002	Pre-posting training (including Chinese language training)
1999	Joined FCO