The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP
Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond last week condemned the appalling attack in Kabul against soft targets and extended his condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and injured in Kabul, adding by rejecting the opportunity to enter peace talks and instead targeting innocent civilians, the Taliban had demonstrated their total disregard for the Afghan people.
Secretary Hammond stated: The UK stands resolute in support of our Afghan friends, and call on the Taliban to end this senseless violence against civilians."
Also, in another development, Mr Hammond was in Tripoli to support the new Libyan Government
The visit followed the recent arrival of the GNA in Tripoli and is the first visit of a Foreign Secretary since 2011 and since the evacuation of the British Embassy in 2014.
In meetings, the Foreign Secretary discussed the GNA’s priorities on security, rebuilding the economy and restoring public services for the benefit of all Libyans. He also discussed their plans to tackle the threat of Da’esh and countering people trafficking.
During the visit the Foreign Secretary also announced £10 million funding to support the GNA. This includes £1.5million for tackling illegal migration, smuggling and organised crime, and £1.8 million to support counter-terrorism activities.
Secretary Hammond said: "Britain and its allies fully support Prime Minister Fayez Serraj and his government as they restore peace and stability to the whole of Libya. We stand ready to provide further assistance to Libya and its people."
He revealed Britain is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to stabilise Libya and is committing an extra £10 million to help the Government of National Accord strengthen political institutions, the economy, security, and justice. This fund builds on our existing support to Libya of £11.5 million last year for development and humanitarian assistance.
Hammond added: "I welcome the continued efforts of Prime Minister Fayez Serraj and members of the Presidency Council to make progress on security, rebuilding the economy and restoring public services for the benefit of all Libyans."