New Delhi, Sep 6 (NationPress) The External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has expressed his congratulations to Yvette Cooper on her recent appointment as the new UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. He emphasized his eagerness to collaborate in order to sustain the robust progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK.

In a post on his official X account on Friday, EAM Jaishankar stated: "Congratulations to @YvetteCooperMP on your appointment as UK's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. I look forward to our collaboration in maintaining the strong momentum of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

Previously, Yvette Cooper took to her official X account to convey: "It is a profound privilege to serve as UK Foreign Secretary. From the aggression of Russia in Europe to the severe famine and conflict in Gaza, UK diplomacy is crucial now more than ever. I am eager to advocate for British interests on a global scale."

Yvette Cooper, a veteran of the Labour Party, succeeded David Lammy as the UK Foreign Secretary on Friday, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer swiftly reorganizes his top team.

At 56 years of age, Cooper has taken the role of Britain’s Foreign Minister, transitioning from the position of Home Secretary in Starmer’s reshuffled Cabinet.

Cooper, who hails from Inverness and was raised in Hampshire, pursued her studies in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at Oxford before receiving a Kennedy Scholarship to Harvard in 1991.

She was involved in Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign in Arkansas and later joined the office of Labour leader John Smith.

Previously serving as Home Secretary, Cooper’s reassignment comes amid a significant reshuffle triggered by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner's exit from the government following an ethics investigation into her financial dealings.

This reshuffle signifies an unexpected shift in roles within Starmer's administration after a challenging first year in power.

Lammy, who had been serving as the UK's principal diplomat since the Labour Party's election victory last year, will transition to become the Justice Secretary, also taking over the Deputy Prime Minister role vacated by Rayner.

Although Cooper has not held an international role before, she stands out as one of the most seasoned members of the Cabinet, having first served as a Minister under former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

She subsequently held positions as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Work and Pensions Secretary under Gordon Brown, and later acted as Shadow Home Secretary during opposition.

In recent months, she has engaged in negotiations for bilateral agreements with France and Germany to address illegal migration.

Her departure from the Home Office coincides with Starmer's renewed efforts to curb the influx of migrants arriving via small boats, a key priority for him as Prime Minister.

Shabana Mahmood, the outgoing Justice Secretary and a prominent figure on the party’s right, has now become the UK Home Secretary.

Cooper's political journey includes several historic milestones.

In 2001, she became the first Minister to take maternity leave, and in 2008, she was the first woman to serve as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Additionally, she is part of the first married couple to serve together in the Cabinet, as reported by the BBC.