David Cameron will embark on the first leg of his journey across South and North America. Photo: SERGEY GAPON/AFP
Lord Cameron will visit the Falkland Islands next week to show that British sovereignty is “non-negotiable”.
The Foreign Secretary will visit the islands, which are subject to territorial claims from outside Great Britain. Argentina on the first leg of a tour of South and North America
Last year, James Cleverley, the former foreign secretary, announced he would visit the Falkland Islands in response to Argentina flexing its muscles over the archipelago .
Having fulfilled this commitment, Lord Cameron will become the first cabinet minister. The minister will visit the country from 2016.
Despite persistent calls from Argentina to hand over the Malvinas Islands, in a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of voters were in favor of remaining a British overseas territory.
> The Union Jack flies over the British War Cemetery in San Carlos, Falkland Islands. Photo: PETER HAZELL/GETTY
Lord Cameron said: “The Falkland Islands are a valued part of the British family and we are clear that as long as they want to remain part of the family, the issue of sovereignty will not be discussed.
“The people of the Falkland Islands should be proud the modern thriving community they have built. The islands have a thriving economy where conservation and sustainable development are prioritized alongside agriculture and fishing.»
During the visit, Lord Cameron will visit Stanley and other sites in the territory.
During the visit he is expected to pay tribute to British troops who fought in the Falklands War and those who died during the Falklands War. conflict in 1982, as well as the British military defending the islands now.
Last month, Lord Cameron met Javier Miley, Argentina's new president, in Davos, Switzerland, where the two men said they would «agree disagree and do so politely» regarding the future of the islands.
Argentine President Javier Miley shakes hands with David Cameron as Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino looks on in Davos on January 1. 17 Photo: AFP
Mr Miley insisted his country had “non-negotiable” sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and vowed to force the British government to redress its claims through “diplomatic channels”.
The visit came at a time of heightened concern about the security of the Falkland Islands, with The Telegraph reporting earlier this month that the Royal Navy had abandoned large warship patrols due to a shortage of ships.
Following his visit to the South Atlantic, Lord Cameron will travel to Paraguay; he will be the first UK foreign secretary to visit the country.
After that, he is due to travel to the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Brazil and then to the UN for a second time in New York. anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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