William Hague says our diplomatic network is the essential infrastructure of Britian’s influence in the world
CFCC Patron, Rt Hon William Hague MP, Foreign Secretary, was welcomed at the British Academy on 16 October 2012 to address a distinguished audience of academics, ambassadors and FCO members of staff on the vision of Britain’s diplomatic tradecraft in the 21st century. He reflected on policy implications of key challenges – advancing British interests and values, influencing other nations, demonstrating leadership and new approaches in a global context. In Libya, Somalia, Philippines, Yemen, Afganistan, European Union, the Foreign Secretary says the FCO has been engaged with strong diplomatic skills and institutional capacity. William Hague highlighted that knowledge of national history, culture, geography and politics go hand-in-hand with an understanding of major world problems – and the ability to deploy British influence.
By Milena Borden
The text of William Hague's speech can be found here.