Latest news with #CommonwealthandDevelopment
Gulf Today
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Abdullah discusses regional developments with FMs of Qatar, Oman, France, UK and Russia
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held phone conversations on Friday with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly State of Qatar; Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman; Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the friendly Republic of France; and David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the friendly United Kingdom. The discussions focused on the latest developments in the region following the Israeli military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The UAE top diplomat and the esteemed ministers addressed the implications of these developments on regional security and stability, as well as on international peace and security. They also explored ways to strengthen efforts to de-escalate tensions and to adopt diplomatic solutions and dialogue to resolve crises. Earlier, Sheikh Abdullah, held a phone call with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, to discuss developments in the region following the Israeli military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two top diplomats discussed ways to de-escalate tensions and avoid the expansion of conflict in the region. They also emphasised the importance of supporting diplomatic solutions and dialogue to resolve crises, in a manner that contributes to preserving regional security and stability. WAM
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Starmer calls for de-escalation after Israel attacks Iran
There were also strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility in Natanz and at military bases and a nuclear research facility in Tabriz. Hossein Salami, chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards, was killed in the attacks as were nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Tehranchi. Read More: Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the strikes were a targeted operation "to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival". Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warned that Israel faces a 'bitter and painful' fate following the attack. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said the White House was not involved. He said: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. "Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now reacted to the overnight attack, as he called for cool heads. He said in a statement: "The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region. 'Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.' David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said: "Stability in the Middle East is vital for global security. I'm concerned to see reports of strikes overnight. Further escalation is a serious threat to peace & stability in the region and in no one's interest. "This is a dangerous moment and I urge all parties to show restraint."
Ya Biladi
03-06-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Back from Morocco, Lammy confirms UK's endorsement of autonomy plan to Parliament
Following his recent visit to Rabat, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy updated the the Parliament on the UK's «deepening partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco» and its new position on the Western Sahara issue. «While in Morocco, I announced the UK's endorsement of Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a solution to the conflict», Lammy stated, in a message shared, Tuesday, by Ray Collins, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa. «In parallel, I welcomed Morocco's willingness, outlined in our joint communiqué, to engage in good faith with all relevant parties and provide further details on what autonomy could entail, with a view to restarting serious negotiations», he added in his address to Parliament. Lammy emphasized that, through this position, the UK government is «advancing regional security, stability and prosperity by supporting efforts to resolve the longstanding Western Sahara conflict, which has persisted for nearly five decades». The conflict, he noted, has «undermined regional stability and hindered economic development, particularly affecting Sahrawi refugees residing in the Tindouf camps». Referring to a «renewed international engagement», Lammy said this creates «a window of opportunity to shift the dial on this intractable conflict and support the parties and the UN in reaching a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable solution». He also stressed that by backing the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in 2007, his office is «redoubling its efforts to help realise this opportunity». A UK-Morocco trade partnership In addition to the Western Sahara issue, Lammy's visit also focused on strengthening the UK-Morocco partnership across a range of shared priorities. He noted that the bilateral trade relationship between London and Rabat exceeds £4 billion annually—a partnership that should be further reinforced to «advance mutual goals in security, prosperity, and sustainable development—delivering tangible benefits for British businesses and supporting the Government's Plan for Change to boost economic growth». Lammy highlighted a series of partnership agreements signed during his Sunday visit, which he said are opening «opportunities for UK businesses across a range of sectors, including access to public procurement markets in Morocco, where opportunities are estimated to be worth approximately £33 billion over the next three years». He also referred to a government-to-government partnership signed with Morocco that allows British companies to compete for contracts linked to Morocco's infrastructure development ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, he announced enhanced cooperation on migration and counterterrorism, as well as joint initiatives to address water scarcity and climate change.
Morocco World
03-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
2030 FIFA World Cup: Morocco, UK Agree on Strategic Cooperation
Rabat – Morocco and the UK have taken a step forward in their growing partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday in Sale to bolster preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The agreement brings together Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy. It opens the door to closer collaboration in key areas tied to the tournament, sports infrastructure, transport systems, and economic development. Speaking from Rabat, Lammy noted the UK's interest in forging new business links across sectors. 'Growth and prosperity will underpin our relationship with Morocco and beyond, helping forge new opportunities at home and abroad,' he stated, outlining London's broader approach to international alliances. In a notable geopolitical development, Lammy's visit also marked the UK's official announcement of its full support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara. Douglas Alexander, UK Minister for Trade Policy, also pointed to Morocco's growing importance for his country as well as in larger global geopolitics. He said the country stands out as a key gateway for British business, especially as the UK seeks to expand its footprint in emerging markets. 'Morocco is becoming an increasingly important trade and investment partner for the UK,' he noted. At the heart of this agreement lies the shared goal to turn the 2030 FIFA World Cup into more than a global sporting event. The two countries strive to make it a platform for opportunity, economic, social, and cultural. The UK has pledged to share its technical expertise and to connect Moroccan partners with British businesses working within major international events. From stadiums to transport networks and event management systems, the collaboration promises to shape the tournament's foundations well before kickoff. This initiative also reflects a broader national vision in Morocco. The country views sport as a gateway to development and a bridge to the world. The 2030 FIFA World Cup offers Morocco the chance to bring that vision to life on a global stage. The signing ceremony took place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, in the presence of senior officials from the two governments. The event signaled more than diplomatic goodwill, as it marked the beginning of a practical partnership with long-term goals. With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Morocco and the UK have now set the groundwork for a joint effort shaped by ambition, expertise, and a spirit of cooperation. Tags: 2030 FIFA World CupMorocc UK tiesmorocco infrastructureMorocco sports
Morocco World
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
British FM's Potential Visit to Morocco Could Be Game Changer on Western Sahara
Rabat – A potential and still unconfirmed visit by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Morocco is sparking serious talk over a possible shift in London's traditional position on the Western Sahara dispute. A source close to the dossier told Morocco World News (MWN) that the UK official could soon make an official stop in Morocco, where he will hold talks with senior officials. The visit could potentially include a major announcement, which could cover a revision of the UK's long-standing stance on the dispute. For years, the UK has clung to a traditional and very cautious position on the dispute, limiting this stance to its support for Morocco's efforts within the framework of the UN-led political process. But this position stops short of explicitly endorsing any particular solution, including the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, which has received clear and resounding support from over 113 countries in the past few years. While London acknowledges Morocco's engagement and efforts in the political process over Western Sahara, its position remains ambiguous and in stark contrast with Rabat's new policy and approach over its interests. In September 2022, King Mohammed VI set a clear vision for the future of the Sahara, both diplomatically and economically. In his historic speech, the monarch stressed that Western Sahara is the lens through which Morocco views its relations and cooperation with other countries. Morocco will enter into no agreement or partnership with any country that undermines its most important cause by challenging or casting doubt on its territorial integrity, the King stressed. 'I therefore expect certain states among Morocco's traditional partners as well as new ones, whose stances concerning the Moroccanness of the Sahara are ambiguous, to clarify their positions and reconsider them in a manner that leaves no room for doubt,' he said. David Lammy has recently acknowledged that the current UK government's position on Western Sahara remains the same as that of the previous governments. However, he stressed that the Sahara dossier is under review 'as we continue to discuss these issues in the region.' He made these comments during a parliamentary session in April, prompting speculation and signaling a potential change in the UK's traditional stance. Like many countries, such as the US, France, and Spain, the UK is well aware of what the Sahara dossier means to Morocco. This has been evident in the ongoing appeals and growing pressure from within the British establishment. Over the years, dozens of UK parliamentarians have repeatedly called on their respective governments to align with key allies by recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Last year, over 30 MPs and Peers penned a letter to the former UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Cameron, urging the timely recognition of Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most viable solution to the dispute. 'Morocco stands paramount among these partner nations, it is a top strategic ally in North Africa, with shared values and perspectives crucial to both our countries,' they emphasized. The letter also warned against separatism or division, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing or boosting bilateral relations with a key ally like Morocco. 'The dangerous escalations and catastrophic effects of conflict in the Middle East have intensified the spread of terrorism and extremism, providing an opportunity for hostile militias to broaden their ideological reach and influence beyond their own borders,' the letter reads . It also emphasized the economic and geopolitical potential of the Western Sahara region, including the development of infrastructure in Morocco's southern provinces, including the port of Dakhla. The letter described the region as a 'hub for innovation and international cooperation in Africa.' In addition to this letter, several UK politicians individually called on their country to support the ongoing momentum by recognizing Morocco's territorial integrity. Some have even joined international appeals, calling for the designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist group. Liam Fox, former Secretary of State for Defense in the UK, has for instance called on his country to label Polisario as a terrorist group. 'Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Polisario Front is an Iranian proxy organisation. For the sake of our Moroccan allies, Western governments must move quickly to designate this group as a terrorist organisation,' Fox wrote on X. Time to make up for previous diplomatic mistakes Britain significantly contributed to colonial dynamics in Morocco in the early 20th century, particularly during the period surrounding the 1906 Algeciras Conference . After wielding unrivaled political and economic influence over Morocco in the late 19th century, the UK renounced its economic interests in Morocco by signing the Algeciras Act alongside other European powers. This act allowed France to establish control over Morocco, with the main goal of guaranteeing equal economic rights for all signatories. France, of course, dominated Morocco's economy. This means that the UK had a hand in facilitating France's dominance over Morocco, its economy, and political affairs. In closely aligning with Paris, the UK contributed to dismissing the North African country's independence aspirations, and safeguarding imperial integrity through diplomatic maneuvers. The Algeciras conference ultimately resulted in a European agreement that divided interests and influence within Morocco, leading to its subjugation under French and Spanish colonization. Well before the conference, France signed a treaty with Britain in 1904. In that accord, Paris renounced its ambitions in Egypt in favor of London. In exchange, France received the UK's support for its right to occupy Morocco. A third treaty also came the same year between France and Spain, confirming Spain's right to occupy northern Morocco in exchange for supporting France's expansion into the rest of Moroccan territory. As many Western countries rush to embrace Morocco's Autonomy Plan, observers have suggested that the UK is facing a now or never dilemma when it comes to making up for its historical mistakes in Morocco. With France and the US having taken the bold decision of recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara , many in Rabat and Rabat hope to see the UK follow in their footsteps in the coming weeks. Business interest Beyond political interests, many countries decided to reinforce ties with Morocco as the country continues to position itself as a leader in several areas, including security, migration management, agriculture, and renewable energy. With Morocco scheduled to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the country has also become a target of business interests for governments and businesses. Earlier this month, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson answered an MP's question on the country's potential cooperation, reinforcing trade ties with Morocco. Gustafsson said that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.' This effort aligns with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit, he suggested. 'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup. In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF) Tim Reid also expressed his country's determination to explore the World Cup as an opportunity for deepening British investments in Morocco. 'In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup-related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,' he said, noting the agency's £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects. The goal of such a move would be to contribute to positioning the North African country as a strategic launching point for British commercial interests throughout Africa, Reid argued. Many British companies have also been operating in Morocco, particularly in the renewable energy sector, with companies like Sound Energy seeing Morocco as a promising hub in the sector. Of course, such enthusiastic expression of interest is bound to be met by frustration from the separatist Polisario Front and Algeria, which continues to maneuver against Morocco's territorial integrity by advocating and threatening companies not to invest in southern provinces. In March, the Polisario Front explicitly turned to its terrorist tactics by targeting foreign businesses that are operating in Morocco's southern provinces or seeking a presence in the region. 'Let the Sahrawi stay away from foreigners and not come telling us they're civilians or innocent. This is not a tourism context, but a wartime context,' a member of the Polisario Front leadership said in March. Amid the pressure and threats, UK Parliament Member Liam Fox urged British companies to seize investment opportunities in the region . Speaking to Morocco's official news agency, MAP, on the sidelines of the Innovation Zero World energy conference in London in April, Fox said: 'British companies looking for partnerships should take a closer look at what Morocco has to offer, particularly in the Kingdom's southern provinces.' In March, the UK government also made it clear that UK businesses are free to operate in Morocco's southern provinces, reaffirming that companies can make their own decisions on trade and investment in the region. This came as another blow to the separatist group from the UK government. For context, it came two years after a significant court verdict from the London Court of Appeals, which rejected the appeal request of pro-Polisario NGO WSC against the Morocco-UK Association Agreement in 2023. The lawsuit aimed to convince the British court to re-examine the trade agreement between the UK and Morocco to challenge Moroccan territorial integrity. Tags: algeria western saharaUK and Morocco
