Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to increase his Department’s (a) presence and (b) resources at the British Embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The UK has a strong bilateral partnership with Côte d'Ivoire and is committed to deepening cooperation across shared priorities including trade, development and security. In February 2023, the British Ambassador facilitated a UK trade mission to Abidjan. The previous ministers for Africa visited in 2021 and 2022 to progress mutual objectives on climate and inclusive economic growth and to promote the UK's presence. Resource allocation to the British Embassy in Abidjan is regularly reviewed as part of FCDO's business planning processes. In 2023, the Embassy will enhance its visibility and accessibility including through a new and improved office location.