Abuja – Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Thursday announced an expansion of the UK’s overseas network with the opening of nine new diplomatic posts in Commonwealth countries.
Johnson who made the announcement at the opening of the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018, said the new posts are Lesotho, Swaziland, and The Bahamas.
Others he said are Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, will extend Britain’s global influence.
Johnson said: “as a Commonwealth family of nations, it in our shared interest to boost prosperity, tackle security issues and clear up the environment.
“These new diplomatic posts are in regions which provide huge potential and opportunity post-Brexit for British businesses and will help us to deepen our relationships across the Commonwealth.
“After we leave the EU, Global Britain will remain outward facing, open for business and a champion of the rules-based international order.”
He said that Britain has one of the largest diplomatic footprints in the world.
The foreign secretary said that the UK’s overseas network is instrumental in promoting our national interest, particularly post-Brexit.
He also said that the UK will also have a greater presence in Europe and in all regions of the world. An increased global footprint will also ensure that Britain and its allies are able to counter the malign influences of countries who seek to undermine the UK.
The UK, he added, will also use its world-class soft power to continue to win hearts and minds for the global good.
Johnson also announced nine million pounds to protect the marine environment and drive economic development in Commonwealth small island states.
He said that Britain will use its position as a leading maritime nation to help Commonwealth Small Island Developing states (SIDS) drive economic development and make the most of their marine environments.
“Our oceans are the largest living space on Earth with a delicate and complex biodiversity. They are not only integral to the economy, but crucial to supporting the cultures, food and security of the world.
“We must as a Commonwealth protect our marine inheritance.
“That’s why today’s nine million pounds will help Commonwealth small island states sustainably develop their maritime environment to create jobs and drive growth, he said.
The foreign secretary said through projects in the SIDS such as seabed mapping, sustainable tourism and identifying marine pollution hotspots, the UK will share its world-renowned expertise to help SIDS tackle climate change, reduce poverty and boost the blue economy.
Johnson called for global political momentum to ensure that this generation leaves the environment in a better state than the world found it.