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Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes its Annual Report 2006/07

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE News Release issued by The Government News Network on 9 May 2007

The Foreign Office's annual Departmental Report for 2006/2007 is published today. Its key message is that because of globalisation, the need for the FCO's distinctive contribution to the Government's objectives has never been greater.

The Foreign Secretary, Mrs Beckett said:

"The aim of our foreign policy is not just to tackle the upheavals of today but to build long-term security and prosperity. This Departmental Report sets out how the FCO has contributed to that over the last year working closely with other government departments and our partners outside government."

In her foreword, Margaret Beckett highlights the notable success stories over the past year, for example the agreement to begin negotiations on an International Arms Trade Treaty, and FCO inspired advances in the international debate on climate security.

The annual report sets out the FCO's recent achievements in working for UK interests in a safe, just and prosperous world. Part one of the report provides details of the FCO's role in delivering the UK's ten Strategic International Priorities on behalf of the whole of Government. Part two looks at how the organisation is radically transforming itself in order to meet changing priorities, and provides a detailed assessment of our performance against Public Service Agreement targets.

Peter Ricketts, Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:

'In preparing this report, I am struck once again by the sheer range and complexity of issues with which the FCO is dealing around the world, 24 hours a day... I am proud of the quality and commitment of the FCO's staff, UK-based and locally recruited, around the world. They are the reason that the FCO is widely seen as one of the best foreign services in the world."

Notes for Editors:

1. The FCO Departmental Report covers activities in the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.

2. An online version of the FCO Departmental Report 2006/07 is available for the first time at http://www.fco.gov.uk/report2007.

3. The Report includes a DVD prepared for the FCO Leadership Conference 2007 which features various Cabinet Office ministers talking about the challenges of globalisation and how the FCO helps deliver the Government's Strategic International Priorities. The DVD is available to download using the link above.

4. For the second year, the Report (up to page 127) was awarded the Plain English Campaign's 'Crystal Mark' for clarity.

5. Each chapter on the Strategic Priorities also demonstrates particular challenges we have faced and the 'lessons learned' for the future.

Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL