UK vows to work with Afghanistan, Asian nations

Author: Rt Hon Mark Field

Since I was appointed just over a year ago, I have criss-crossed the region – from Beijing to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu, Hanoi to Honiara.

I visited Afghanistan in October last year. During my meetings with President Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah, Government Ministers, and the High Peace Council I reiterated the UK’s support for Afghanistan and emphasised the need to focus on a political settlement with the Taliban as the key to bring about a peaceful and stable country.  Since then, I have been encouraged by the positive steps towards peace culminating in the Eid-al-Fitr ceasefire in June. The Afghan people have made clear their desire for peace, and I hope these steps can be built upon to bring a sustainable settlement and a brighter future for Afghanistan.

It has been a privilege to meet a host of people from all over Asia, as well as those from the significant Asian diaspora in the UK. But I rarely have the opportunity to talk about the UK approach to Asia as a whole.

The other day, both in a speech in Jakarta and directly to you, I’d like to put that right.

First, a short personal story. In 1962, my parents married in Singapore. My father was stationed there with the British Army. I grew up hearing their stories about life in Asia. My interest only grew stronger when I first visited this wonderful continent over twenty years ago. It was already so different from my parents’ photographs, and that change continues apace.

Quite rightly, the UK’s relationship with Asia has changed too - from that of my parents’ time, more than half a century ago, to the partnership we enjoy today, with our eyes firmly fixed on the future.

We call our approach ‘All of Asia’, and we use the phrase ‘All of Asia’ deliberately. As the whole world tilts towards this diverse continent, with its enormous opportunities and yet some very real challenges, it is right that we engage with all its nations and regions.

It is a continent of diversity, of energy, of economic ingenuity, and of young people, with one-third under the age of 25. Asia represents the future of this planet and I am passionate about seeing the UK continue to strengthen its partnerships across the region.

Our relationships with the biggest economies in Asia are of vital importance to the UK. But, the key issues of mutual interest, such as climate change, the illegal wildlife trade, technology, finance, security and research are relevant to All of Asia. This is why the UK has over 50 diplomatic missions across Asia, including in all ten members of ASEAN. And it is why we are expanding still further, by opening three new Posts in the Pacific – in Tonga, Vanuatu and Samoa.

On prosperity, security and our values, there is an enormous amount we are doing together, in a vast number of areas: from supporting democracy in Malaysia, and educational ventures in China, to spending £200 million across Asia to improve the business environment, to joint research linked to the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’, to standing up for regional security with our air power and ships; the list goes on.

In Afghanistan, the UK is committed to working together to support development. The UK has pledged up to £750 million until 2020 for programmes on important issues such as education, humanitarian needs, and agriculture. Most recently, we have committed an additional £10m of British aid for emergency food supplies for 1.4 million drought affected Afghans. The UK also provides support to the ANDSF through troop contributions to the NATO mission and a commitment to ANDSF sustainment until 2024.

I believe this demonstrates that the UK is a credible partner for All of Asia. A credible security partner. A credible development partner and a credible economic partner. While the UK remains a member of the EU we continue to support the EU’s free trade negotiations with countries across the region. As we prepare to exit the EU we are looking to ensure continuity for our existing EU trade deals and considering options for new bilateral trade agreements. We are also considering seeking accession to CPTPP to help support free and rules-based trade that will benefit all countries.

‘All of Asia’ recognises that Asia is the continent within which the world of the 21^st Century will be forged. It is about the UK and ‘All of Asia’ working together, in a partnership of equals, on the things that matter the most to people: getting a good education, finding a decent job, having their rights respected and feeling confident that their future is secure. It is also about finding the right innovation and technology to make lives better and that is why the UK is looking to collaborate even more on the development of smart cities right across Asia.  Working together to build a future that is safer, more free and more prosperous for all. The UK looks forward to joining you all on this exciting journey.

The Rt Hon Mark Field MP, Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific