Press release

Foreign Secretary statement on Moscow visit

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has issued a statement after deciding not to visit Moscow as planned on 10 April

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Boris Johnson
• Published: 8 April 2017
• Last updated: 8 April 2017 — See all updates

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

The Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, has decided not to visit Moscow as planned on 10 April.

The Foreign Secretary said:

Developments in Syria have changed the situation fundamentally. My priority is now to continue contact with the US and others in the run up to the G7 meeting on 10-11 April - to build coordinated international support for a ceasefire on the ground and an intensified political process. I will be working to arrange for other like-minded partners to meet and explore next steps soon too.

I discussed these plans in detail with Secretary Tillerson. He will visit Moscow as planned and, following the G7 meeting, will be able to deliver that clear and co-ordinated message to the Russians.

We deplore Russia’s continued defence of the Asad regime even after the chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians. We call on Russia to do everything possible to bring about a political settlement in Syria and work with the rest of the international community to ensure that the shocking events of the last week are never repeated.

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Published 8 April 2017
Last updated 8 April 2017 + show all updates

1. 8 April 2017

   Added translation

2. 8 April 2017

   First published.