By Martin Robinson, Chief Reporter
16 Nov 2023
David Cameron‘s first trip as Foreign Secretary has been to visit Volodymyr Zelensky, it was revealed today, where the ex-Tory leader paid tribute to Boris Johnson.
The former Prime Minister has popped up in Kyiv this morning in a video shared by the Ukrainian President on social media.
Mr Cameron’s choice for his working visit abroad just days after his shock appointment by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amid the fallout of Suella Braverman‘s sacking.
He said: ‘I wanted this to be my first trip. I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, but I’ve known him for 40 years and his support for you was the finest thing he and his Government ever did’.
Mr Zelensky made the announcement in a post on the Telegram messaging app, where he posted a short video of the two meeting. It was also shared on Twitter.
‘Weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defence, protecting our people and critical infrastructure. I am grateful to the UK for its support,’ Zelensky said in a statement on social media, accompanied by images of him and Cameron shaking hands.
The visit was not pre-announced. Mr Cameron is also expected to visit Israel as soon as possible given the turmoil in the Middle East.
Mr Cameron is under pressure to reveal his links to ‘Chinese interests’ after it emerged that Beijing has welcomed his shock return to Cabinet.
The new Foreign Secretary‘s work for an investment fund ‘engineered by the Chinese state’ was raised by Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons while other MPs highlighted his controversial lobbying activities since leaving No10.
His foreign policy record also came under scrutiny during the first Prime Minister’s Questions since the reshuffle, with his hosting of a G8 summit a decade ago called his biggest achievement by Rishi Sunak.
It came after Lord Cameron’s ‘unique understanding of China‘ was praised by a newspaper run by the Chinese Communist Party.
An article in Global Times described the ‘golden era’ of relations between the two countries during the Cameron premiership including the famous pint he enjoyed with president Xi Jinping in a pub near Chequers.
However, Lord Cameron’s activities since quitting No10 the morning after the EU referendum were mocked by Labour leader Sir Keir at PMQs yesterday.
‘A few months ago, the Intelligence and Security Committee said the now Foreign Secretary’s role in a Chinese investment fund may have been – these are its words – ‘engineered by the Chinese state’. When will he instruct the Foreign Secretary to give full public disclosure of his work for Chinese interests?’
Mr Sunak replied that he was ‘delighted’ at Lord Cameron’s return, praised his ‘unrivalled experience’ and insisted he will ‘go through the normal process with the independent adviser’ on ministerial interests.
Click original article for video and photo gallery :
“He said: ‘I wanted this to be my first trip. I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, but I’ve known him for 40 years and his support for you was the finest thing he and his Government ever did’.
Totally agree Cammers old chap. Now you must continue where Boris left off, with the same drive and vigorour.
Start by doubling UK aid to $10 Bn.
More Storms and more Challies needed.
David Cameron’s return to government is welcomed by Beijing: State media lavishes the new foreign secretary with praise with glowing op-ed on his ‘highly-successful’ relationship with President Xi:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12751501/David-Camerons-return-government-welcomed-Beijing-State-media-lavishes-new-foreign-secretary-praise-glowing-op-ed-highly-successful-relationship-President-Xi.html
I don’t see that necessarily as a bad thing. If he went to the pub with the old dictator, he can do it again and try to get some sense out of him.
1st meeting of Zel and Cammers:
I’m particularly impressed and happy that Cameron made his first trip to Ukraine and so quickly after being appointed Foreign Minister. The Brit commitment is real and ongoing.
I’m with you, Cap. This is an important sign of support for Ukraine. Cameron made a good start with this gesture.