M77
25 July 1995
Mr Smith will replace Mr Colin McDonald, who has been Ambassador since January 1993.
Senator Evans said the positive and constructive role played by Egypt in the region had long provided an important underpinning to the Middle East process. Egypt continued to provide leadership and vision which were of special importance to addressing present and emerging challenges. Australia will continue to assist the peace process and support Egypt's role in seeking a just regional settlement.
Australia's bilateral relations with Egypt are very warm, reflecting a long history of productive commercial and political dealings. Australia and Egypt work closely together in support of the multilateral activities of the Middle East process, particularly in regard to arms control and regional security issues, and water. Australia is also providing 27 soldiers, and the Force Commander, to the Multinational Force and Observers located in the Sinai under the terms of the Israel-Egypt peace treaty. Egypt remains a substantial buyer of Australian wheat and also imports useful quantities of coking coal, alumina, sugar and meat. There are prospects of new markets for dairy products and live steers.
Mr Smith, a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs and an Arabic speaker, is a senior career officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He joined the Australian Treasury in 1974 and transferred to the then Department of Foreign Affairs in 1975. He has served in Cairo, Damascus and Geneva (United Nations). From 1989 to 1991 Mr Smith was Ambassador to Algeria, with non-resident accreditation to Tunisia. From 1991 to 1993 he was an Assistant Secretary in the International Organisations and Legal Division in Canberra. Mr Smith is currently Minister (Political) at the Australian Embassy in Washington.
Mr Smith is expected to take up his appointment in September 1995.
CANBERRA