§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
How far the Ministry of Defence's Defence Diplomacy Policy will be developed in co-operation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Department of Trade and Industry with the specific objective of preventing violent conflict. [HL2903]
§ Lord GilbertDefence Diplomacy is designed to help to dispel hostility, build and maintain trust, and prevent conflict. The nature and complexity of Defence Diplomacy means that this aim can be met only by integrating defence activities very closely with those of other government departments, particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. These departments have been involved in developing the concept from the outset, and this will continue.