will hold talks with senior
politicians on foreign policy, trade and international security
issues and attend inauguration of Iranian President.
The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa arrives in Algeria today
(Monday 31 July) for the first stage of a three country trip that
will also include Tunisia and Iran.
In Algeria he will meet with the Prime Minister Abdelmadjid
Tebboune and other senior ministers. Libya and regional security
issues will be a major focus, but the visit will also be an
opportunity to discuss a range of bilateral issues – including
trade. UK exports to Algeria increased by 24 per cent in 2016.
The Minister arrives in Tunisia on Wednesday 2 August for a two
day visit that will include a meeting with Foreign Minister
Khemaies Jhinaoui.
This will be the first ministerial visit to Tunisia since the UK
changed its travel advice last week. Having carefully reviewed
conditions in Tunisia, including the threat from terrorism and
improvements by the Tunisian security forces, the Government no
longer advises against travel to most of the country, including
Tunis and the major tourist destinations. Talks will cover
counterterrorism cooperation, UK support to improve the Tunisian
security situation and drive economic reforms, tourism and
boosting trade.
The Minister arrives in Iran on Friday 4 August and will attend
the official swearing in ceremony of the Iranian President Hassan
Rouhani on Saturday 5 August. The Minister will have talks with
senior politicians on a range of bilateral and regional issues,
including our dual national detainees.
On Algeria Minister Burt said:
“The UK is committed to a close relationship with Algeria and I’m
excited to be visiting the country again. The partnership between
our two countries in areas such as security and trade is getting
stronger by the day. British businesses are thriving in many
sectors - helping to build the new airport, invest in Algeria’s
agricultural sector and improve English language teaching.”
On Tunisia Minister Burt said:
“The UK is a strong partner and friend of Tunisia and I look
forward to continuing our close work on security,
counterterrorism, reforming the economy and trade. After a
careful and thorough review we decided to no longer advise
against travel to Tunisia. This is partly due to the security
improvements that the Tunisian authorities have made. It is vital
that our good cooperation on security matters continues and that
we work together to consolidate the progress that has been made.”
On Iran Minster Burt said:
“I look forward to representing the UK at President Rouhani’s
swearing-in ceremony, on my first visit to Iran. We hope to build
further on improving UK-Iran relations during President Rouhani’s
second term.
“The President’s personal commitment to the nuclear deal is
welcome and it is vital both our countries work closely together
to ensure the deal continues to be successfully implemented. We
are also keen to maintain dialogue on Iran’s regional policies,
human rights and particularly our dual national detainees.
Progress in all of these areas is important to the UK.”
