TheCable

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom has merged the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Foreign and Common Wealth Office (FCO).

Making the announcement on Tuesday, the prime minister said merging DFID and the FCO will unite development and diplomacy in one new department, which brings together Britain’s international effort.

He said the new department – the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – due for establishment in early September, will be under the leadership of the foreign secretary.

Johnson further noted that the merger is an opportunity for the UK to have greater impact and influence on the world stage as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is exactly the moment when we must mobilise every one of our national assets, including our aid budget and expertise, to safeguard British interests and values overseas,” the prime minister said.

“And the best possible instrument will be a new department charged with using all the tools of British influence to seize the opportunities ahead.”

The prime minister also announced that UK’s trade commissioners will come under the authority of UK ambassadors overseas, bringing more cohesion to the nation’s international presence.

In May, the UK pledged £20 million to support the African Union in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.