Colombia

Defence written question – answered at on 4 February 2014.

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Photo of Jim Sheridan Jim Sheridan Labour, Paisley and Renfrewshire North

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) defence contractors and (b) other companies have been hosted by the Government at events connected with the visit of HMS Richmond to Cartagena; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Rob Flello Rob Flello Labour, Stoke-on-Trent South

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

(1) what discussions were held between the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and representatives of the Colombian government on the International Security Strategy and related matters; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what the outcome has been of the recent UK-Colombian discussions on proposed collaboration between the Royal Navy and the Colombian armed forces;

(3) what role Arfan Chaundhry has in the bilateral discussions between his Department and the (a) Colombian Government and (b) Colombian armed forces; and if he will make a statement;

(4) if he will place in the Library a copy of the draft memorandum of understanding between the Government and the government and armed forces of Colombia arising from their discussion held aboard HMS Richmond in Cartagena; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Andrew Murrison Andrew Murrison The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

The bilateral discussion covered a number of areas for defence cooperation, focusing upon current counter narcotics activity and regional security, opportunities for us to further our relationship through transformation of the Colombian Defence organisation, Colombia's initiative to co-operate more with other nations and their interest in NATO, and opportunities to co-operate in maritime security. The memorandum of understanding that was signed during the meeting will facilitate greater cooperation and joint training between the Colombian Navy and the Royal Navy, with cooperation in counternarcotics as a primary intent. I will place a copy in the Library of the House shortly.

Following the bilateral discussions, UK Trade & industry (UKTI) Defence & Security Organisation arranged a small Defence & Security Industry Day (DSID) onboard HMS Richmond, comprising six UK companies: BAE Systems, Selex ES, Surrey Satellites (SSTL), Agusta Westland, Cobham and MBDA. Representatives from the Colombian Navy, including cadets from the Naval College, attended the DSID. Arfan Chaudhry is a representative of the UKTI Defence & Security Organisation.

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