UK Trade & Investment became the new single identity for the UK Government's business support organisation British Trade International and its operating arms Trade Partners UK and Invest.UK, on 27 October. The aim of UK Trade & Investment is to help UK companies build their international business and to encourage foreign direct investment. The new identity reflects the increasingly close relationship between trade and investment work within the organisation and its continuing commitment to provide an integrated service - delivering business opportunities through a global network.

Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw announced on 27 October that the UK has now deposited the UK Instruments of Acceptance of the Protocols on the Accession of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to the North Atlantic Treaty. 'I congratulate each of the NATO Invitees on their hard work through the Accession process,' Mr Straw said.

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell has described Mexico as 'a key partner in Latin America' at the beginning of his first official visit to the country on 27 October. He said he would be 'taking forward discussions on our broad bilateral agenda' and would discuss 'a range of multilateral issues including the environment and human rights'. Mr Rammell will deliver a speech to the British Chamber of Commerce on the general theme of economic reform as part of the four day visit.

In addition to their regular official and Parliamentary duties, FCO Ministers have the following public engagements today and tomorrow...