The meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Ambassador H.E. James Kariuki (right) took place at the offices of the UK Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on October 7, 2024. Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), centre, was joined by Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley, left. Photo: Office of the Premier

The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) visiting mission to the Virgin Islands from August 26-27, 2024, and governance reform were also discussed. 4th from left is Governor Daniel Pruce. Photo: Governor's Office/Facebook

In this regard, Premier Wheatley and Ambassador Kariuki discussed the expert reviews launched by UK Foreign Secretary Rt Hon David L. Lammy in September that are currently examining: the UK’s global impact; how to maximise the benefits of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) joint integrated development diplomacy model in its development work; and the UK’s economic capability in diplomacy.

Premier Wheatley, according to a press release from the Office of the Premier on October 14, 2024, stressed the importance of the OTs’ being considered in the expert reviews in the context of a modern partnership between the UK and OTs and respect for the OTs’ self-determination.

The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) visiting mission to the Virgin Islands from August 26-27, 2024, and governance reform were also discussed.

Ambassador Kariuki affirmed the UK’s staunch commitment to the security, stability and prosperity of the OTs and the importance of UK-OT partnership and international cooperation.

UK can deepen cooperation with OTs on self-determination- Premier

Speaking on his meeting with Ambassador Kariuki, Premier Wheatley said, “I am grateful for the genuine effort of Ambassador Kariuki and the UK Permanent Mission to engage with the British Virgin Islands and other Overseas Territories on the relevant international and multilateral issues in the UK-OT relationship.

"The Overseas Territories are strong partners of the UK in several areas of international cooperation. The UK as a pivotal country in the international system can deepen cooperation with the OTs’ in support of our self-determination and efforts to gain greater access to development finance and climate finance that would help drive our sustainable development and climate resilience.”

The meeting took place at the offices of the UK Permanent Mission to the UN in New York on October 7, 2024. Premier Wheatley was joined by Special Envoy E. Benito Wheatley.