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Press release: PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu: 10 May 2018

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister held a telephone call with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today.

The Prime Minister condemned the Iranian rocket attacks against Israeli forces, and said we strongly support Israel’s right to defend itself against Iranian aggression.

The Prime Minister noted our statement calling on Iran to refrain from any further attacks, and for calm on all sides.

They agreed it was vital for the international community to continue working together to counter Iran’s destabilising regional activity, and for Russia to use its influence in Syria to prevent further Iranian attacks.

The Prime Minister reiterated our position on the Iran nuclear deal, noting that we and our European partners remain firmly committed to ensuring the deal is upheld, as the best way of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

Link: Press release: PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu: 10 May 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Mauritania in May 2018

Mr Samuel Thomas has been appointed Her Majesty’s first ever resident Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Previously Mr Thomas Reilly was Her Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador, based in Rabat, Morocco. The UK is also upgrading its existing office in Nouakchott to an Embassy.

Mr Thomas will take up his appointment during May 2018. The UK has had an office in Mauritania since 2011. The move to upgrade it to an Embassy is a sign of the UK’s growing bilateral relationship with Mauritania and its commitment to the region.

On Mr Thomas’s appointment, the Foreign Secretary said:

I am delighted that we are enhancing our representation in Mauritania, and hope that our relationship continues to grow, particularly in trade. We are strengthening our diplomatic, security and development engagement across North Africa and the Sahel, and this Mission is another example of Global Britain: outward facing and forging stronger relationships around the world.

Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Minister of State at the Department for International Development, Alistair Burt added:

This is an exciting new chapter as we deepen our links across the region and I particularly look forward to visiting later in the year.

Mr Thomas has worked in the public and private sector, focusing on energy, trade and terrorism. He joined the FCO in 2009 to work on UN Security Council policy, before moving to the Middle East and North Africa Directorate. He has previously served overseas in Tripoli, Moscow and Baghdad.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Samuel Thomas

2018 to present Pre-posting training
2015 to 2017 Baghdad, Head Counter-Terrorist Finance, Economic and Energy Section
2015 Moscow, Energy Policy
2013 – 2015 Tripoli, Political and Economic Consultant (on leave from FCO)
2011 – 2013 Tripoli, Deputy latterly Head, Commercial Section
2011 FCO/Cabinet Office, Chief of Staff, Cross-Whitehall Libya Oil Cell
2009 – 2011 FCO, UN Security Council Desk Officer, International Organisations Department

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Link: Press release: Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Mauritania in May 2018
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Dr Fox: global trade will work for every part of the UK

Latest ONS trade figures show UK exports rose 9.2% (£52.8billion) to £628.8 billion from April 2017 to the end of March 2018.

The country’s renowned service sector continues to thrive with exports up 9% to £284 billion, increasing the service surplus to £109.2 billion.

Goods exports also rose strongly by 9.3% to £344.9 billion.

Exports continue to grow faster than imports with the overall trade deficit narrowing by £13.3 billion from £39.9 billion to £26.6 billion.

Separate data released by HMRC shows the UK’s exports of fuels (including coal, oil and gas) was £27.3 billion in the year to March 2018. The largest buyers of these goods include Netherlands, Belgium and China.

Sales of food and drink also continue to soar, with exports of Scotch whisky rising by 21% to £4.4 billion. Top markets for these goods were the USA, France and Singapore.

The figures come as Dr Fox is in Aberdeen and meets representatives from Oil and Gas UK, the UK’s largest business body for the offshore oil and gas industry.

He will discuss raising the profile of an industry that hires more than 120,000 people in the UK and generates turnover of around £30 billion – of which 40% comes from exports.

He will also meet staff from Wood plc, which recently became a FTSE 100 company following a large acquisition, and will see first-hand the brewing process at Deanston Distillery where he will meet representatives from the Scotch Whisky Association.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said:

Today’s trade figures show exports rising and the trade deficit falling as households across the UK feel the benefits of a stronger economy – from more skilled jobs to increased prosperity.

It’s clear evidence the world wants to buy high-quality UK good and services, and my department is putting the country in a position to benefit. That’s why I’m meeting Scottish businesses driving this export boom in sectors covering oil & gas and Scotch whisky to ensure we succeed on the global stage.

As an international economic department, we’re creating an independent trade policy for the first time in forty years that will work for every part of the UK.

Dr Fox also used the visit to announce he will chair the DIT’s Board of Trade in Stirling next week to ensure the department is meeting the needs of businesses, exporters and inward investors across the country.

Further information

Link: Press release: Dr Fox: global trade will work for every part of the UK
Source: Gov Press Releases