Australia on Tuesday has confirmed the appointment of new High Commissioner to Pakistan, according to a media release by Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop.
Ms Margaret Adamson will succeed outgoing High Commissioner, Mr Peter Heyward, who was praised as one of the few diplomats who have been publicly active and held regular interactions with Pakistani people. Australian FM, in her message, thanked the outgoing High Commissioner, Mr Peter Heyward, for his work in advancing Australia’s interests in Pakistan during his 3-year tenure.The new Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Adamson is expected to take up her appointment this month (June 2015).
The new Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Adamson is expected to take up her appointment this month (June 2015).
Ms Adamson is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, having served previously as Ambassador to Poland and Ambassador to Cambodia. Most recently, she was Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. In Canberra, Ms Adamson’s appointments have included head of Public Diplomacy Branch, European Union and Western Europe Branch, and Pacific Islands Branch.
Australian Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, in her statement acknowledged: “Australia and Pakistan share a strategic interest in combating extremism and we are committed to continuing to work in partnership with Pakistan on counter-terrorism, people smuggling and transnational crime.”
“Our two countries enjoy a long-standing relationship built on strong people-to-people links, our shared Commonwealth heritage and significant mutual interests.”
“Our people-to-people links are strong and continue to grow, underpinned by our economic ties, common interest in sport and by the significant number of Pakistani students who choose to study in Australia” she said.
Australia and Pakistan are actively exploring avenues to expand trade and investment and research ties, particularly through agriculture and agribusiness, water technologies, mining services and education. There are significant prospects for growth in bilateral trade and investment, and deepening community engagement through exchanges of students under the New Colombo Plan, the message read.