Politics

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Ken Skates visits Chongqing and Shanghai to cement Welsh links with China

The Cabinet Secretary is being joined in Shanghai by a trade mission of 18 Welsh companies including Clogau Gold, i2L Research, Timberkits, and Tiny Rebel, all looking to increase their trade relationships with the world’s second largest economy. 

 

As part of his visit Ken Skates will host St David’s Day events for government, business and cultural leaders in both Chongqing and Shanghai, and will promote Wales as an outward facing and forward looking nation, keen to cement links with its global trading partners. 

 

The Economy Secretary will also meet Chinese companies and Government representatives to discuss how trade and cultural links between the countries can be strengthened and to consider how Wales can work to further increase its exports to the lucrative Chinese market. 

 

A Welsh cultural delegation is also travelling to China. It is hoped this will lead to new partnerships, new learning opportunities, and new exchanges of exhibitions and performers, to and from both countries. 

 

Speaking about his visit to China, Ken Skates said:

 

“China is a huge global force and one that Wales is keen to cement its already strong links with. 

 

“There are currently 19 Chinese companies based in Wales, between them employing more than 2500 people here. And latest figures put annual Welsh exports to China at nearly £209m. 

 

“These are impressive figures but through my visit and the  trade mission we will be seeking to build on this success, to grow our share of exports to China and to attract more Chinese investors to Wales. 

 

“Wales has a huge amount to offer as a trading partner, a tourist destination and cultural partner. Following the decision to leave the EU it is more important than ever that we reach out to China and other international partners and continue to work to build a stronger and fairer Welsh economy for all.”  

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Welsh Government • •

News story: Joint Troika Statement Supporting African Union High Level Implementation Panel Peace Process in Sudan

The Troika (Norway, UK and US) urge signatories of the AUHIP-brokered Roadmap Agreement to honour their commitments.

The Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States) expresses its continued support for the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) peace process, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. In support of the AUHIP-brokered Roadmap Agreement signed by both the Government of Sudan and the opposition, the Troika urges the signatories to honor the Agreement by concluding comprehensive cessations of hostilities and engaging in an inclusive political dialogue. The Government of Sudan must now create an environment that is conducive to freedom of expression and political participation by both armed and unarmed opposition in Sudan.

The Troika is also encouraged by the Government of Sudan’s decision to accept the United States’ proposal to support humanitarian assistance to South Kordofan and Blue Nile states (the “Two Areas”). The U.S. proposal is intended to facilitate humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Two Areas, in line with AUHIP efforts for broader negotiated humanitarian access. The Troika urges the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North to swiftly accept this proposal and facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance to those in need in the Two Areas. The ongoing unilateral ceasefires are a significant step toward peace throughout Sudan. However, in order to realize sustainable peace, all parties must engage in a political process. The Troika also encourages continued engagement by the armed movements from Darfur with the AUHIP peace process. We call on the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul Wahid Al Nur to cease hostilities and immediately engage with the AUHIP peace process. The Troika also encourages the Government of Sudan to make progress on addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Further information

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HM Government • • •

Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana

Mr Iain Walker has been appointed Her Majesty’s British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana

Mr Iain Walker has been appointed Her Majesty’s British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana in succession to Mr Jon Benjamin, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Walker will take up his appointment in August 2017.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name Iain Walker
Married to Claire Walker
Children Three
2012 – present FCO, Director Finance and Board member
2010 – 2012 FCO, Deputy Director Finance
2010 Joined FCO
2008 – 2010 Price Water House Coopers, Assistant Director, Consulting
2006 – 2008 Cabinet Office, Policy Advisor
2004 – 2006 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Head of Commercial and Change
2002 – 2004 GOAL (Global NGO) Programme Management and Change (Malawi, Ethiopia, & Zimbabwe)
1998 – 2002 Ernst & Young, Banking and Capital Markets

Further information

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HM Government • • •

News story: UK’s global role reinforced in new International Defence Engagement Strategy

Launching an ambitious framework for the UK’s defence engagement overseas, Sir Michael Fallon and Boris Johnson committed to increasing cooperation with partners across the globe to keep Britain safe.

For the first time, defence engagement was made a core defence task in the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015. As a result, Britain is now stepping up its global commitments and leadership in international organisations, including NATO and the UN, as well as with bilateral partners.

Britain’s defence policy is becoming more ‘International by Design’, ensuring that we make our alliances and partnerships central to all that we do.

Defence engagement helps build the robust relationships on which our influence, prosperity and security depend. It enables us to respond to threats and crises when they emerge and strengthens our position as the world’s leading soft power.

Our commitment to international Defence Engagement includes:

  • Establishing three new regional British Defence Staffs for defence engagement in Gulf, Asia Pacific and West Africa.
  • New Defence Sections in Albania and Finland and new Attaché posts in Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia (for the South Caucasus),Qatar, Japan, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • New Defence Section for the Sahel, covering Senegal, The Gambia, Mali and Niger.
  • Increased military exercises with NATO partners and allies including in Ukraine, Poland and Estonia.
  • Leading development of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) with Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Norway.
  • Exercising and training with partners in the Five Power Defence Arrangements such as Exercise Eastern Venture.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

Our increased ambition for Defence Engagement abroad demonstrates the UK’s global role.

Whether it’s by increasing our military expertise in the Middle East, training Nigerian forces in maritime security, or RAF Typhoons exercising over South Korea, Britain is committed to working internationally to protect our people and interests.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:

The International Defence Engagement Strategy ensures we get the best value from our brilliant and brave Armed Forces and world-class Diplomatic Service, enabling them to deliver security and prosperity for the British people. This is about sending a clear signal of the UK’s intent as a dynamic, agile, cutting-edge global power.

Ahead of the annual Munich Security Conference, which started today, the Foreign and Defence Secretaries reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to European security. The Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, is also attending the conference. As Britain leaves the European Union, the UK is stepping up its global role and leadership in European security.

This year Britain is:

  • Leading NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), a Brigade size force ready to respond to any threat.
  • Leading NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) in Estonia, where 1000 British troops will deploy alongside other NATO Allies to deter threats.
  • Deploying a company size force to Poland, as part of the US’ EFP battle group.
  • Sending Typhoons to police NATO skies over Bulgaria and Romania.
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HM Government • • •