Ambassador to Afghanistan

  • Media release

TodayI announce the appointment of Ms Nicola Gordon-Smith as Australia's nextAmbassador to Afghanistan.

Australia'srelationship with Afghanistan is based on our shared commitment to improvesecurity and the lives of the Afghan people. Australia has provided more than$1.3 billion in development assistance to Afghanistan since 2001, including topromote economic growth, support more effective and accountable governance, andempower women and girls.

AustralianDefence Force personnel make an important contribution to the NATO-led missionto train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces. We have alsocommitted to provide US$100 million annually to the Afghan National Defense andSecurity Forces until 2020. We are committed to ensuring that Afghanistan doesnot again become a haven for terrorists.

MsGordon-Smith is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairsand Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Consular Policy Branch. InCanberra she has held a range of positions, including Chief of Staff to theTrade Minister, and Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister. She has twice servedoverseas at the Australian Embassy in Brussels, most recently as Deputy Head ofMission. Ms Gordon-Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from theAustralian National University.

Ithank outgoing Ambassador Richard Feakes for his contribution to advancingAustralia's interests and strengthening our vital bilateral relationship withAfghanistan since mid-2016.

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