Mina Al-Oraibi, Assistant Editor in Chief of Asharq Alawsat, the international pan-Arab daily newspaper, spoke to the assembled Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council last night.
Mr Rodrigo Espinosa, Minister Counsellor for Chile, gave a fascinating wide ranging briefing about UK-Chile links particularly touching on the history and politics of the country. The Cultural Attache, Mr Cristian Leon, and the Commercial Attache, Mr Cristian Lopez, also gave enthusiastic briefings about the unique geography, diverse culture and economy on the rise.
The Ambassador of Norway, HE MR KIM TRAAVIK, Ambassador of Norway and Sir Michael Craig-Cooper CBE TD DL, spoke on "Norwegian Foreign Policy, with Special Emphasis on EU Relations" at a meeting and reception held at the Ambassador's residence in Kensington, W8. Sir Michael Craig-Cooper, Vice Chairman, was in the Chair and Peter Friedmann gave the vote of thanks.
Mr Gordon Bridger, formerly of DFID, gave a slide show presentation arguing that aid has been mis-directed. He quoted Lord Lawson: "British aid on balance did more harm than good".
Baroness Chalker of Wallasey, Patron, Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council, and Mr Rehman Chishti MP, Deputy Chairman, were the hosts at the annual Diplomatic Party of the Council held yesterday at the House of Commons.
Allow me to begin my deep appreciation to the Council for the kind invitation to come and speak. I wish also to thank you for taking the time to be here and for your interest in my country, Mozambique. We do not take this for granted and we will always seek best ways of keeping this partnership alive.
Mr Poggio gave a wide-ranging talk about some of the 'theatres' that Gibraltar is involved in as well as the three pillars of the economy: tourism, retail shopping and financial services. "Gibraltar is booming" he said.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is first of all a smaller country, than Western Balkan country, Southeastern European Country and European country in accordance with the whole foreign policy is formed and conducted.
A cool mist hung in the air. I felt a tangible sense of occasion, complemented by the hushed and curious crowd gathered three or four deep. With heart beating fast, threading my way through the packed throngs I collected my ticket and noted Boris Johnson walking past in his unmistakable and distinctive way.
