LONDON (AA) - Alistair Burt, the British Minister of State to Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in charge of the Middle East and North Africa has been replaced by Conservative Hugh Robertson who served as a sports minister for more than three years within the framework of reshuffles in the British government.
In regards to the changes in the British cabinet, Burt noted a message in his official Twitter account saying, "Standing down today. The last three and a half years have been a pleasure working on an extraordinary portfolio with talented people. Thank you all."
Moreover, Foreign Secretary William Hague also published a note via Twitter saying, "Very grateful to Alistair Burt, UK's best Minister in charge of the Middle East in a long time, who built stronger ties across the region amid many crises."
Burt being replaced by 50-year-old Tory Robertson served as the Sports Minister between 2010 and 2013.
Last July, Alistair Burt visited the container city in the Nizip town of Turkey's southeastern province of Gaziantep where Syrian shelter seekers accomodate. In addition, Burt also held talks in Egypt back in July, coming together both with the officials of Muslim Brotherhood and interim government.
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