Hugo Swire visits the Falkland Islands
Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Hugo Swire will pay his first visit to the Falkland Islands from 10-14 February.
During his visit Mr Swire will meet the Falklands Legislative Assembly, and senior Falkland Islands Government officials to discuss their plans for development of the Falklands’ economy. He will also visit the British Cemetery at San Carlos and the Argentine Cemetery at Goose Green to lay wreaths in memory of those who died in the 1982 conflict.
In a referendum in March 2013 Falkland Islanders voted by 99.8% to remain a UK Overseas Territory.
Mr Swire said:
The people of the Falkland Islands are British because they have chosen to be so. This was clearly reinforced by the referendum result last year when 99.8% voted in favour of remaining a UK Overseas Territory.
The UK has administered the Falkland Islands peacefully and effectively for 181 years. But our relationship with the Islands today is a modern one based on mutual respect and partnership. These Islands are a democratic, self-governing Overseas Territory and are rightly proud to be economically self-sufficient.
I am looking forward to learning about the Falklands’ thriving economy and the Falkland Islands Government’s plans for future development.
Further information
Follow Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire on twitter @HugoSwire
Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice