The new head of the Foreign Office, David Cameron, made his first overseas visit in his post to Ukraine.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron made an unexpected return to big politics, taking the position of Foreign Secretary. It is the first time since the 1970s that a former prime minister has returned to the UK cabinet. Another surprise – Cameron only took office on Monday, November 13, and was already in Ukraine on Wednesday, November 15.
First visit
The trip to Ukraine was Cameron’s first visit as Foreign Minister.
“During my visit, I want to say that we will continue to provide you with the moral, diplomatic, economic and, above all, military support that you need – not only this year and the next, but as long as necessary,” Cameron told Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
The former British prime minister added: “I have some differences with Boris Johnson, we’ve known each other for 40 years, but his support for you is the best thing he and his government have done.”
According to the office of the President of Ukraine, Zelensky praised the defense cooperation with the UK, which allows the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively defend against an attack by an aggressor, especially thanks to long-range weapons.
Zelensky called it a priority to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense system before winter to protect citizens and critical infrastructure from Russian missile attacks.
Zelensky and Cameron also discussed the security situation in the Black Sea and the continuation of the alternative grain corridor. Zelensky thanked the British government for its active support for the operation of this route and joint efforts to introduce insurance for civilian ships passing through it.
Travel to Odessa
From Kyiv, together with his Ukrainian colleague Dmitry Kuleba, Cameron went to Odessa.
“I am very happy to be in Odessa, on the Black Sea. The achievements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Naval Forces are very significant. They pushed the Russians back and opened new sea routes. I am proud that the UK has an important role to play and we will continue to do so. There’s more to come,” Cameron said.
What made him famous?
Cameron served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 2010 to 2016. His policies ensured that Scotland remained part of the United Kingdom after the 2014 independence referendum. Also under him, same-sex marriage was legalized in the UK in 2013-2014.
During Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008, he called on the West to suspend Russia’s membership in the G8. After the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Cameron became one of the most ardent opponents of the Kremlin’s policies.
Cameron opposes Britain’s exit from the European Union. Holding a national referendum on EU membership was one of his key campaign promises, which he kept but resigned hours after declaring the 2016 vote a victory for Brexiteers.
Cameron has been out of big politics for seven years, but said he hoped his more than ten years of experience as party leader and cabinet would be useful to the current government.
He led British diplomacy against the backdrop of two wars – in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
Dangers for Ukraine
During his tenure, Cameron courted Beijing, organized a state visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping and attracted significant Chinese investment to the country. After leaving the government, he tried to set up a UK-China investment fund, but was unsuccessful.
For many, such warm relations between the new foreign minister and China, if, of course, Cameron maintains them and continues to develop them, raises some concerns.
Some believe this could affect Britain’s position in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. But, as we see, so far it has no effect at all.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.