Media release

6 March 2008

Diplomatic Appointment: Ambassador to Egypt

I have confirmed the appointment of Ms Stephanie Shwabsky as Australia’s new Ambassador to Egypt with concurrent accreditation to a number of other regional states. Ms Shwabsky will replace Dr Bob Bowker who has been Ambassador since January 2005. Ms Shwabsky is expected to take up her appointment in May 2008.

Australia has long-standing and warm relations with Egypt which have been based on the pillars of a friendly political relationship, growing trading relationship and firm people-to-people links.

Australia works constructively with Egypt, including on a range of international issues including multilateral issues, counter-terrorism and disarmament. We recognise Egypt's important role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. Australia has a long-standing commitment to helping further peace efforts in the region and, in support of this, continues to provide ADF personnel to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) located in the Sinai, created by the Egypt‑Israel Peace Treaty to supervise the implementation of the security arrangements of that treaty. In the World Trade Organization (WTO), Australia values its useful dialogue with Egypt on the Doha development round of trade negotiations.

Egypt is a substantial market for Australian wheat and is an important destination for a range of other Australian exports including live cattle, vegetables, coal and dairy products. The trade relationship is diversifying increasingly into investment and services.

Ms Shwabsky is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is currently Director, Consular Operations in Consular Operations Branch. Overseas, Ms Shwabsky served as Ambassador to Lebanon (2002-06), Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission in East Timor (2000‑02) and Cambodia (1996-99). She has also served in Colombo, Nairobi, Dhaka, Hanoi and Bonn.

In Canberra, Ms Shwabsky was Director, East Timor Section (1999), Director, Cambodia Task Force (1994-96) and Director Southern Africa Section (1989-90).

Ms Shwabsky holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours from Sydney University.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555