Boris Johnson to make first US trip for IS talks

[LONDON] New British foreign secretary Boris Johnson will on Thursday make his first official visit to the United States, meeting international counterparts as part of the fight against Islamic State (IS).

The former London mayor, a surprise choice to become Britain's top diplomat in new Prime Minister Theresa May's government, made his first overseas engagement on Monday, meeting with European leaders, many of whom were angered by his campaign to take Britain out of the European Union.

Mr Johnson will meet with US counterpart John Kerry in London on Tuesday to "underline the importance of the special relationship following Britain's decision to withdraw from the European Union".

He will then host a meeting of counterparts from Germany, France and Italy, and the EU High Representative to discuss the conflict in Syria.

"The session will focus on the fragile Cessation of Hostilities, the dire humanitarian situation, and the conditions needed for parties to resume UN-backed talks," said a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Mr Johnson and Mr Kerry will also meet with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and UAE to discuss the conflict in Yemen.

"We must be more active, more engaged and more outward-looking, so I am delighted to have this early opportunity to welcome my international counterparts to London for important meetings on the conflicts in Syria and Yemen," said Mr Johnson.

"I will be making clear my view that the suffering of the Syrian people will not end while Assad remains in power. The international community, including Russia, must be united on this."

AFP