Tag: Foreign Office

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown delivers a joint statement condemning enforced disappearances of Ukrainian civilians by Russia.

Thank you Chair.

I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and my own country, the United Kingdom.

30 August marked the annual International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. As such, at today’s Permanent Council, we would like to state our strong condemnation of enforced disappearances.

We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending this serious human rights violation. In addition, we recall and reiterate the OSCE commitments we all made in adopting the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council Decision on the Prevention and Eradication of Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

Enforced disappearance is inexcusable and despicable, wherever and whenever it takes place in our region.

However testimonies collected by this year’s Moscow Mechanism experts, international organisations and civil society actors suggest that the Russian Federation has consistently and deliberately used incommunicado detention with respect to Ukrainian civilians. In some cases the Moscow Mechanism experts found that family members had received no information about detained family members for periods of more than two years. In these circumstances, they concluded that the Russian Federation had violated the absolute prohibition on incommunicado detention and enforced disappearances under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

We unreservedly condemn the actions of the Russian authorities. Russia must confirm who it is holding, where, and why. It must also comply with its obligation to grant unhindered access to the ICRC and other appropriate humanitarian organisations. Russia must cease committing enforced disappearances and release all of those who have been detained in contravention of international law. Or, to repeat the Moscow Mechanism experts’ recommendation to the Russian Federation, Russia must:

“Immediately cease the practice of holding people incommunicado and/or subjecting them to enforced disappearances … ensure that persons deprived of their liberty are held only in  officially recognized places of detention and accurate information on the detention of such persons and their place or places of detention … is made promptly available to their family members, their counsel or to any other persons having a legitimate interest in the information”.

In closing, we jointly reaffirm our commitment to ending enforced disappearances. We stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors of enforced disappearances, as well as their loved ones, in Ukraine, across the OSCE region and around the world.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2024.

Ambassador Holland condemns the impact of Russia’s illegal war on the safety, education, identity and future of Ukraine’s children.

Thank you, Mister Chair. As children around the world returned to school this week, in Ukraine they continue to face significant obstacles due to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression.

Across Ukraine, thousands of schools and children’s facilities have been damaged or destroyed by Russia’s military attacks. Over the last week, Russia has intensified its aerial attacks against Ukraine, hitting, among other civilian locations, schools in Lviv, nurseries in Kyiv and a centre for the social and psychological rehabilitation of children in Sumy. These have caused a number of casualties, including a 14-year-old girl who was killed in a Russian attack on a playground in Kharkiv. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones.

The UN now estimates that over 600 Ukrainian children have been killed since February 2022. This constant threat of violence has made it unsafe for two thirds of children in frontline regions to attend school in person. Most schools in these regions are closed due to ongoing hostilities, while elsewhere thousands cannot reopen because they do not have protective shelters.

Nationwide, half of school aged children rely on some level of remote based education. Yet frequent power outages, caused by Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, have only led to further disruptions and obstacles to their learning. Instead of experiencing a normal school year, Ukrainian children are often forced to seek shelter from air strikes, to navigate disrupted communities, or even to flee their homes.

At the same time, Ukrainian children going back to school in the Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine are faced with a different kind of challenge. We are seeing growing reports of the systematic indoctrination of children in these areas. The illegitimate Russian authorities have implemented re-education programmes designed to erase Ukrainian identity and to instil pro-Russian sentiments among the youth. Children in these areas are subjected to a curriculum that distorts historical facts, glorifies Russian military actions, and promotes allegiance to Russia. The indoctrination efforts include history lessons that frame Ukraine as part of Russia, and in some cases, military training.

Russia’s strategy to indoctrinate Ukrainian children dates back to its illegal annexation of Crimea ten years ago, before being enforced in the Russian-held parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts since 2022. And Russia’s forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children forms part of this strategy. These children are separated from their families and communities, and then deported or forcibly transferred to Russia or Russian-held territories where they are subjected to these indoctrination practices. Reports detail the psychological impact on the children, who are confused and distressed by the forced assimilation and the separation from their families.

Mister Chair, Russia’s deportation of these children is a clear violation of international law and it aims to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. It represents a grave human rights abuse, as the Russian state attempts to erode Ukraine’s future by reshaping the identities and loyalties of its youngest citizens. The UK and our international partners condemn these practices and call for an immediate end to the deportation, exploitation and manipulation of children in these regions. Russia must be held accountable for its actions. Ukrainian children deserve to learn and grow in a safe environment, free from Russian aggression. Thank you, Mister Chair.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2024.

Ambassador Holland thanks the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly for their work, including continued support for Ukraine and election observation missions, and noted the wider impact of the situation in Gaza.

Thank you Madam Chair. Madam President, on behalf of the United Kingdom, welcome back to the Permanent Council and congratulations on your re-election as the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Thank you for your address.

Your presentation, as well as the committee reports from this year’s Annual Session in Bucharest, testify to the wide range of issues with which the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly engages. First and foremost is continued support to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion. I welcome the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s focus on Ukraine at the top of the agenda. National parliaments have played a tremendous role in maintaining political commitment in capitals and monitoring the OSCE and national governments’ actions to support Ukraine.

We were disappointed to see the Russian parliament’s recent decision to withdraw their participation. It is not for us to speak for the rationale behind the decision to do so, but one can only conclude from such an action that the delegation were not interested in genuine dialogue or security cooperation. Clearly the best way to return to cooperation is for Russia to stop its illegal war, but I hope that in the meantime the Russian parliamentary delegation reengages, rather than turn away from messages that it may not like to hear.

Beyond the war in Ukraine, in your report you highlighted the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s discussions on the situation in the Middle East. We recognise the direct impact the ongoing conflict has had on our Partners for Co-operation, as well as the wider impacts on the security of the OSCE region, so let me say a few words on this.

The death and destruction in Gaza is intolerable – the fighting must stop now. A resolution to this conflict has been a priority for the UK. We want to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages still detained by Hamas terrorists, and much more aid entering Gaza. We want to avoid further escalation in the region. The UK will play our full diplomatic role in ending this conflict and creating a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

Madam President, you also mentioned the Assembly’s work on election monitoring. We are now more than halfway through this year of elections, with several still to take place in the OSCE region. Election monitoring is an integral part of democratic scrutiny, supporting electoral integrity and documenting whether elections are credible and inclusive. It is inspiring to hear you report that we literally have hundreds of parliamentarians observing elections this autumn, coming together in a collective exercise to strengthen democracy across the OSCE. I would like to thank them for their dedication, and especially Michael Creed and Lucie Potůčková for leading the mission to Azerbaijan to observe early parliamentary elections last Sunday.

Madam President, our new Minister with responsibility for the OSCE, Minister Stephen Doughty, worked for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly from 2003 to 2004 and looks forward to collaborating with you again from his new position. The UK thanks you, Secretary General Roberto Montella and the wider Assembly for the work you are doing. We offer our full support and look forward to continued co-operation and collaboration.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 5 September 2024.

UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins has announced new funding to scale up early-stage agribusinesses and boost climate resilience across Africa.

• Lord Collins announces £25 million investment into African food and agriculture sector during keynote speech at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda
• Africa Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to partner with Africa on boosting its food trade, tackling the climate crisis and strengthening food and nutrition security to senior African leaders
• Lord Collins will also meet the President, Foreign Minister and other senior Rwandan decision-makers to strengthen bilateral relations between the UK and Rwanda

Africa Minister Lord Collins has today [4 September] announced UK backing for a new investment facility that will accelerate the growth of Africa’s food and agriculture sector.

During his keynote speech at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2024, Lord Collins committed to providing £25 million for AgDevCo, a UK-based social impact investor dedicated to investing in African agribusinesses.

In the face of conflict and climate change, communities across Africa are grappling with high levels of hunger and malnutrition. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 4 are undernourished. Investing in Africa’s food markets is a crucial means of working with farmers, helping those at the forefront of the climate crisis and moving towards a world free from poverty.

The UK’s contribution is expected to yield an increase in income of £128 million for the farmers who benefit by 2036.

The Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury said:

Improving food markets will have a game changing impact on individuals and families across Africa. Giving hard working farmers stable incomes, creating jobs for the youth and helping end malnutrition.

Without access to funding, no matter the drive and ingenuity, too many businesses can’t get off the ground.

That’s why I’m pleased to announce that the UK intends to back a new $50 million facility called AgDevCo Ventures. The UK will put in over half the funds, with AgDevCo collecting funds from other investors. AgDevCo’s funding and expertise will enable early-stage African agribusinesses to grow and increase Africa’s resilience to climate change.

This funding will support the creation of AgDevCo Ventures, which will channel early-stage investment into small and medium-sized enterprises working within Africa’s agriculture sector. The UK government is contributing over half of the funds with matching contributions being raised from other investors, resulting in $50 million overall for the planned launch of AgDevCo Ventures in early 2025.

The new funding facility will work with small agricultural enterprises across Africa, with a particular focus on African owned and managed businesses.

Daniel Hulls, CEO of AgDevCo said:

We are very grateful for the continued collaboration with the UK government.

This funding will allow us to leverage third-party capital and go back to investing in small, early-stage businesses.

We are excited about developing a new AgDevCo Ventures portfolio, and expect it to be high impact, deliver jobs and increased rural incomes by building the next generation of African agri-SMEs.

There is evidence that small to medium-sized enterprises lack the financing options necessary to scale up. As a result, the UK is working alongside partners to pioneer new ways to finance agribusiness and mobilise other investors.

The demand for food and animal feed in Africa is projected to triple between 2010 and 2050, with the demand for food globally set to increase by 50%. UK investment will look to improve both African and global food and nutrition security by enabling enterprises in the agriculture sector to be better able to cater to the rising demand.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 September 2024.

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

Last week, we heard the news that the bodies of six Israeli hostages were recovered in Gaza. We condemn their murder by Hamas.

My Prime Minister has conveyed his thoughts and prayers for the families and the Israeli people.

The UK supported Israel’s request for this briefing to shine a spotlight on the abhorrent crimes of Hamas and their impact on innocent civilians. It is also entirely right, as Algeria proposed, to focus on recent grave developments in the West Bank and Gaza.

President, of the 253 hostages taken in the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks, 101 hostages remain captive in Gaza and subject to unimaginable horror. We once again condemn Hamas’ terrorist acts in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Hamas to release the hostages immediately. There can be no doubt that Hamas pays not the slightest heed to international humanitarian law. We urge all parties to agree a ceasefire deal which would bring an end to the ordeal of these hostages.

Israel continues to face threats, not only from Hamas, but also from Iran and its range of hostile proxies who openly call for Israel’s annihilation. Iran should be in no doubt of our commitment to challenge their malign and destabilising activity, and our commitment to Israel’s security.

President, the suffering of Palestinians also worsens each day. Over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, many of whom are women and children. The most basic needs of children and thousands of orphaned children are unmet. A ceasefire deal offers an opportunity to end their suffering.

As we’ve heard, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond appalling, with dire sanitary conditions, a serious risk of famine and now polio. We welcome the polio vaccination campaign and urge Israel to continue to cooperate with the WHO and health agencies to ensure that the full 90% of children who need to be are vaccinated.

More generally, as we’ve heard, humanitarian access remains inadequate with attacks on convoys, evacuation orders undermining operations and aid far below Israel’s stated commitment to ‘flood Gaza with aid’. We urge Israel to do much more to ensure lifesaving food and medical supplies reach civilians in Gaza.

As my Foreign Secretary said this week, we are also deeply concerned by credible claims of mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, which the International Committee of the Red Cross cannot investigate after being denied access by Israel.

President, concerns on the treatment of detainees and humanitarian access were part of my Government’s review into Israel’s International Humanitarian Law compliance. As a result, my Foreign Secretary took the decision to suspend certain UK arms export licences to Israel earlier this week. This decision in no way undermines our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security.

Whilst we recognise Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, the UK is also deeply worried by the ongoing IDF operations in the West Bank, particularly the reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Israel must also tackle the accelerating settler violence and end its illegal expansion of settlements which undermine prospects for the realisation of the two-state solution.

President, let me conclude by thanking the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts on the ongoing negotiations. The parties have had time to study the deal on the table. The parties must now bridge their differences and end the suffering by agreeing to a deal and immediate ceasefire and rediscover the path to a two-state solution.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 4 September 2024.

Joint funding announced between the UK and Kuwait to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

• the UK and Kuwait announce new joint funding of £4.5 million to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen
• the agreement was secured in the margins of the 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group in London
• the UK’s Minister for the Middle East and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed key pillars of bilateral cooperation, and took part in Kuwait Culture Week in London

The UK and Kuwait have today (Wednesday 4 September) announced new joint funding plans to help UNICEF deliver lifesaving aid to almost 2.5 million people in Gaza and Yemen.

The funding will go towards UNICEF’s efforts to restore water supply and sanitation systems in Gaza, and to sustain primary healthcare services in Yemen, and has been set out in two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by both parties.

The UK and Kuwait will provide £4.5 million of joint support ($6 million in total – $3 million to each project), to UNICEF, whose work is expected to benefit approximately 1,000,000 in Gaza and 1,450,000 people in Yemen.

Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said:

Conflict has aggravated the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen and the UK is committed to pushing for more lifesaving aid to reach those in desperate need.

The UK and Kuwait’s joint funding towards UNICEF’s lifesaving work in Gaza and Yemen demonstrates our shared commitment to tackle some of the worst humanitarian crises in the world.

I am proud of the UK and Kuwait’s close ties, which have now endured for more than 125 years and continue to go from strength to strength.

Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said:

This year marks an important milestone for both the State of Kuwait and the UK as we jointly commemorate 125 years of partnership. Kuwait is proud of its deep-rooted and historic ties with the UK and is committed to deepening this partnership in all its aspects. This week in London, we were happy to witness the commencement of the Kuwait cultural week in the UK and the successful convening of the 21st session of the JSG. The Action Plan signed during the JSG paves the way for further collaboration in a number of fields.

We are pleased to cooperate with the UK to support the essential work of UNICEF in both Palestine and Yemen. As pioneers in the field of international development, both our countries will continue to explore avenues of cooperation to provide development and humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters.

UNICEF’s Representative to the Gulf Area Eltayeb Adam said:

UNICEF deeply appreciates the generous contributions from both the UK and Kuwait, which will have a transformative impact on the lives of children and families in Gaza and Yemen.

This funding is not just a financial commitment; it is a beacon of hope for communities struggling with the devastating consequences of conflict. Together, we can ensure that essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare reach those who need them most, restoring dignity and a sense of normalcy to countless lives.

The 21st UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group (JSG) was co-chaired in London today by the UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, and Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

In the margins of the JSG, Minister Falconer and the Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development Waleed Al-Bahar signed the two MoUs.

In addition, Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also reached an agreement for planned UK support to Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission on the delivery of training programmes to Kuwaiti Government employees, and signed an action plan detailing how their respective Governments will drive forward cooperation on a range of key issues such as defence and security and international development and humanitarian partnerships, over the coming months.

The UK and Kuwait are celebrating 125 years of official diplomatic relations throughout 2024. Yesterday (Tuesday 3 September), Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the headline performance of a special “Kuwait Culture Week” organised by Kuwait’s Embassy in London, titled “Rhythms of Kuwait”.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

In these Commonwealth Services we remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remember the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.

Dates of the services:

*Lidzbark Warmiński – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Tuesday 5 November 2024, 10:40am

*Malbork – Commonwealth War Cemetery; Wednesday 6 November 2024, 10:40am

*Kraków – Commonwealth War Cemetery (Rakowicki Cemetery); Friday, 8 November 2024, 10:40am

*Warsaw – RAF Liberator Memorial Stone in Skaryszewski Park; Sunday, 10 November 2024, 10:40am

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

High-Level Informal Presidential Discussion on new technologies, Artificial Intelligence and the digital divide. Delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley.

Mr President,

Thank you for convening today’s session, thank you to our panellists for their insights but also their challenges.

As we’ve heard, new and emerging technologies, such as AI, don’t just have the potential to transform our societies. They are already doing so. Whilst they can facilitate the promotion and protection of Human Rights, they also pose risks.

We are at a critical juncture as we grapple to regulate effectively a technology that develops exponentially. We are proud to have played our role in enabling that discussion, not least through the inaugural AI Safety Summit last year and passed our mantle onto Korea and now France. We are committed to the development of safe, ethical AI in which to use Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s excellent phrase, human rights are the bedrock of our digital future.

We must avoid deepening the digital divide as this technology develops. By working together, we can achieve a digital transformation that is inclusive, sustainable, protects human rights and harnesses tech to get the SDGs back on track.

Finally, Mr President, we look forward to the conclusion of the Global Digital Compact in which human rights are central to the development and use of tech and enhances OHCHR’s capacity to provide an advisory service on Human Rights for governments and partners alike.

Thank you.

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

Pakistani students from every corner of the country have been given British High Commissioner Jane Marriott’s top tips for living in the UK, ahead of a year studying at British universities.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme, and 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships have been awarded to Pakistanis. These long-standing programmes have developed a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly meet to discuss live issues.

Scholars come from diverse backgrounds, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan. This year’s cohort come from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages people from all backgrounds and across Pakistan to apply.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

“The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and changemakers. Many of our alumni have gone one to achieve extraordinary things back home. Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.”

Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of Oral History Project Citizens Archive of Pakistan and upcoming Chevening scholar, said:

“I am thrilled to be joining the University of Essex for my MA in Heritage and Museum Studies. This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can’t wait for my journey to begin.”

The cohort includes those on a scholarship in Football Science, with the support of Swindon Town Football Club. For the first time, this year’s cohort also saw an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies with the support of Essex University. This scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This, and a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies, are again available in this year’s application cycle, as are additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham.

This month, the British High Commission launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, on tackling climate, looked at the technical, economic and political leadership needed to support Pakistan with adaptation and resilience.

Notes to editors

• Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 2025-26 will close on 5 November. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship with the University of Westminster, are open and will close on 10 October. Applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month fellowship, are open and will close on 5 November 2024. To find out more about eligibility and to apply, visit Chevening
• Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year. For more information, visit the CSC website at Homepage – Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (fcdo.gov.uk)

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 3 September 2024.

During a visit to the region, including Czech Republic and Slovenia, Minister Doughty attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague and the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia.

• Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty returns from Central Europe today, following first visit to the region since the election
• visit focused on countering Russian hybrid threats and defending European security
• UK reset with Europe also top of the agenda as minister met counterparts from across the region

Security challenges facing Europe were at the top of the agenda during the first visit by Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty to Central Europe, concluding today (3 September).

During a dual-leg visit to the region including stints in both the Czech Republic and Slovenia, the minister attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague followed by the Bled Strategic Forum at Lake Bled in Slovenia.

European security was front and centre of those conversations, as threats including disinformation, cyber-attacks, organised immigration crime and Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine continue to transpire across the continent.

The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset the country’s relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges from climate change to illegal migration.

That reset was emphasised by the Prime Minister during a visit to Germany and France last week, and by the Foreign Secretary during his travels to Germany, Poland and Sweden in recent weeks. It has also been the focus of discussions by the European Union Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds in Brussels.

Minister Doughty spoke at the GLOBSEC Forum, the premier Central and Eastern European security forum held in Prague this year, alongside counterparts from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Moldova.

At a panel event on countering Russian hybrid threats, the minister emphasised work being done by the UK and partners to degrade Russia’s network of spies and take action against Putin’s destabilising activity. This includes the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, and joint efforts in countering Russian disinformation intended to negatively influence elections across Europe.

The minister then travelled to Slovenia for the Bled Strategic Forum, where he made clear that the UK will continue to support Slovenia in tackling the shared challenges of illegal migration and criminal gangs. The UK and Slovenia’s continued co-operation in this field follows discussions at this year’s European Political Community Summit in July, where the Prime Minister met Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, releasing a joint statement committing to further cooperation on tackling organised immigration crime.

He also focused attention on promoting stability in the Western Balkans, amid increasing tensions and attempted interference from malign actors in the region.

Speaking at a panel event at the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Doughty said:

As a new government to the UK, we are absolutely clear we are committed to multilateral systems, we’re committed to the rule of law, we’re committed to NATO.

We’re committed to Ukraine; we’re committed to standing up to Russia; to Iran … and we’re committed to working with our allies whether that’s in the EU, whether that’s outside the EU in Europe; whether that’s across the transatlantic relationship or whether that’s around the World.

Not only on those security challenges, but also on climate change, on growth and prosperity for people, on tackling poverty, on equal rights, on gender equality.

During the visit, the minister also met Czech and Slovenian counterparts – Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as well as Slovenian Foreign Minister Marko Stucin – to emphasise plans to pursue a positive, forward-looking relationship with allies across the region as part of the wider UK-Europe reset.

The visit also builds upon progress made at Blenheim Palace during the European Political Community in July, where European nations underscored the strength of international support for Ukraine, and joint commitment to regional security.