Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Friday, 8 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 December 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 18 December 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gulf of Aden: Foreign Relations

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has plans to meet with his counterpart in Djibouti to discuss the (a) geopolitical situation in the Gulf of Aden and (b) attack and seizure of commercial vessels.

Answer: The UK is committed to ensuring the safety of shipping in the region, including through our contributions to the International Maritime Security Construct and Combined Maritime Forces. We regularly discuss issues, including regional security, in our bilateral engagements with Djibouti. These waters are vital routes for global trade and incidents like these show the importance of the Royal Navy's presence, including both HMS Diamond and Lancaster, in the region.

Secondary information