Press release: Minister for Africa visits Zambia and Malawi

Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin travelled to Commonwealth countries Zambia and Malawi between 25-28 July, to strengthen relations, and focus on shared prosperity, sustainable development, and joint efforts to tackle climate change and the illegal wildlife trade.

In Zambia, Minister Baldwin and Minister Matthew Nkhuwa signed the Energy Africa Compact, a partnership between the UK and Zambian governments and the private sector to support the growth of the sustainable energy sector. Minister Baldwin announced £22m of new UK aid funding which will support the development of innovative energy solutions and help millions of Zambians access reliable, affordable off-grid solar energy.

Minister Baldwin said:

The warm welcome I’ve received in Zambia shows the deep friendship between our countries.

I have reaffirmed our shared commitment to accelerate sustainable economic development, while ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable are not left behind.

Partnering with Zambia to deliver a more secure and sustainable energy future will help lift Zambians out of poverty, drive economic development, and tackle climate change.

During her visit, Minister Baldwin met with the Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina and cabinet ministers.

Minister Baldwin also visited UK aid-supported projects to see how the UK is working with local communities and organisations to support development and reduce poverty. She announced £8.5m to improving access to finance for individuals and businesses, for example expanding mobile money to help businesses and families better manage their finances.

In Malawi, the Minister visited Majete National Park to see how the UK is supporting their efforts to tackle the Illegal Wildlife Trade, a serious organised crime. She met members of the British military who are providing training to park rangers. The UK has also been working with African Parks to improve their communications systems, allowing them to track both animals and poachers more effectively. The Minister met people from nearby communities to see how they can benefit from the running of the Park as the UK works to tackle the crime and corruption the trade causes, which holds back development across the continent.

Minister Baldwin said:

The cooperation between Majete Park Rangers and the British soldiers who are sharing their experience to help them crack down on poachers is a wonderful example of how our two countries can work together to tackle major shared issues, making the world a more secure place.

I have been delighted to visit Zambia and Malawi, close Commonwealth friends, to strengthen our political, trade and development ties. The UK continues to be a steadfast partner for Africa’s peace, security and prosperity.

Whilst in Malawi, Minister Baldwin met with government ministers, opposition party figures, and business and civil society representatives, and visited UK-funded projects. Minister Baldwin announced new UKAid funding to the education sector of £37.5 million to support early grade learning and keep more girls in school.

The UK is a long-standing development partner in both Zambia and Malawi.

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Press release: UK’s Minister for Africa concludes Malawi visit

The UK’s Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, visited Malawi from 26 to 28 July to reaffirm the strong and historic ties between the two Commonwealth partners. She saw how Malawi and the UK are working together on shared interests, and the impact of UK aid investments aimed at reducing poverty and inequality and promoting prosperity.

This was the Minister’s first visit to Malawi. Minister Baldwin had productive and warm discussions with senior government officials. They discussed a number of issues, including opportunities and challenges facing Malawi, and announced new UK funding to the education sector amounting to £37.5 million to support early grade learning and keep more girls in school in Malawi. She also set out the importance of having peaceful and transparent elections next year.

The Minister also held discussions with government officials, including the heads of law enforcement agencies (Directorate for Public Prosecutions, Anti-Corruption Bureau and Financial Investigations Authority) and the Malawi Electoral Commission Chair, Justice Jane Ansah, as well as meeting business representatives and opposition parties’ leaders.

Minister Baldwin said:

Malawi’s long-term success matters to the UK. Our partnership is anchored by the Commonwealth connection and the strong personal links between our nations, particularly with Scotland. I have been struck by the warmth of the people of Malawi and their resilience to overcome some of the most difficult challenges.

The UK is committed to helping Malawi achieve its vision of increased prosperity for all. This means tackling issues like corruption and energy constraints, adapting to climate change and making the most of the country’s potential through strengthening agriculture and renewable energy.

On a visit to Majete National Park, Minister Baldwin met Malawi Park Rangers that are receiving training and advice from the British military on how to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

Minister Baldwin said:

The cooperation between Majete Park Rangers and the British soldiers who are sharing their experience to help them crack down on poachers is a wonderful example of how our two countries can work together to tackle major issues, making the world a more secure place.

The UK is a long-standing development partner of Malawi. UK aid plays a critical role in improving the lives of millions of poor children and adults. This includes investments in health, family planning, education, business development and adapting to climate change.



Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Juri Ratas of Estonia: 27 July 2018

PM meeting with Prime Minister Juri Ratas of Estonia: 27 July 2018 – GOV.UK

Prime Minister Theresa May met with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas today in Salzburg.

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A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister met the Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas at the Salzburg Festival.

Prime Minister Ratas expressed his appreciation for the deployment of UK troops to NATO’s enhanced forward presence in Estonia. The Prime Minister underlined our ongoing support for Estonia’s and Europe’s collective security.

The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s proposals for our future relationship with the EU. Both leaders agreed on the particular importance of continued security and defence cooperation.

The Prime Minister updated on the investigation into the death of Dawn Sturgess and thanked Prime Minister Ratas for Estonia’s solidarity following the attack on the Skripals in Salisbury. They agreed that the response had been an important signal of European unity.

Published 28 July 2018



Press release: PM meeting with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria: 27 July 2018

PM meeting with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz of Austria: 27 July 2018 – GOV.UK

Prime Minister Theresa May met with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

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A Downing Street spokesperson said:

Following their dinner at Downing Street three weeks earlier, the Prime Minister and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had a positive conversation ahead of the Salzburg Festival. The Prime Minister updated on the white paper, and Chancellor Kurz confirmed that Brexit would be on the agenda for the informal European Council which Austria would host on 20 September.

The summit will also cover illegal migration, and on this the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK will continue to work closely with the EU now and after Brexit.

The discussion also covered the NATO summit and Russia. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of engaging Russia from a position of strength and opposing malign activity. She updated on the investigation into the death of Dawn Sturgess in Amesbury.

Published 28 July 2018



Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Babis of the Czech Republic: 27 July 2018

PM meeting with Prime Minister Andrej Babis of the Czech Republic: 27 July 2018 – GOV.UK

Prime Minister Theresa May met Prime Minister Andrej Babis of the Czech Republic.

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A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The two leaders began with an update on Brexit with the PM setting out the proposals in the UK’s White Paper with the government’s proposals for a future relationship with the EU.

She highlighted that a UK-EU free trade area would maintain frictionless trade that would enable businesses across Europe to maintain their vital integrated supply chains.

They agreed it was important to find a solution and that negotiations should continue at pace.

Prime Minister Babis commented that migration continues to be a pressing issue for Europe. The leaders agreed that it was important to tackle the issue on a number of fronts – including tackling unscrupulous people smuggling gangs and improving communication efforts to ensure that people did not undertake perilous journeys in the first place.

The leaders also discussed the recent meeting between President Trump and President Juncker on US-EU trade, welcoming the progress they made.

They closed by reaffirming their commitment to an ongoing close bilateral relationship between the UK and the Czech Republic.

Published 27 July 2018