Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister's
Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on
the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean
Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago.
The Government has agreed to continue the talks, which began in
2022 under the previous government. Resolving this
long-standing issue with a close Commonwealth partner is in the
interest of both parties.
Mr Powell has extensive experience in negotiations affecting the
UK's national interests in sensitive domestic and international
contexts, including playing a central role in securing the 1998
Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and previously serving as Prime
Minister David Cameron's Special Envoy to Libya between 2014 and
2016.
He will begin his role immediately and his work will involve
engaging the most senior Mauritian and US interlocutors and
advising Ministers and HMG negotiators on how to conclude a
robust agreement.
Foreign Secretary said:
Negotiations with Mauritius over the BIOT/Chagos Archipelago are
critical to the UK's security. We are determined to protect the
long-term, secure and effective operation of the joint UK/US
military base on Diego Garcia.
Jonathan Powell's experience working with governments of all
colours in the most sensitive international negotiations makes
him uniquely qualified to serve as the Prime Minister's Special
Envoy.
I look forward to working with him as we endeavour to reach a
settlement that protects UK interests and those of our partners.
The Chagos Archipelago includes the island of Diego Garcia, the
location of an important UK-US military base which plays a vital
role in regional and global security.
Working in close coordination with the United States, the UK
Government will continue the previous government's policy of
aiming to reach an agreement that protects the UK's security
interests, respects Chagossian communities, enhances
environmental cooperation and builds a long-term strategic
relationship with Mauritius as a close Commonwealth
partner.
The UK-Mauritius negotiations began in November 2022. To date, 12
rounds of talks have taken place.
