Ambassador to Greece
Today I announce the appointment of Ms Kate Logan as Australia's next Ambassador to Greece with non-resident accreditation to Bulgaria and Romania.
Australia and Greece enjoy a warm relationship underpinned by shared democratic values and enduring community ties. More than 600,000 Australians claim Greek ancestry, providing a dynamic foundation for business, tourism, education and cultural links.
Our two-way trade with Greece was $1 billion in 2016, and we are working with Greece and other members of the EU towards an Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement which will further enhance our trade and investment relationship. Australia also cooperates with Greece on international economic and strategic issues, including through the Organisation for Security Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Asia-Europe Meeting.
Relations with Bulgaria and Romania continue to expand, with two-way trade in 2016 valued at $191 million and $326 million respectively. Australia and Bulgaria cooperate in a number of areas of shared interest, including countering terrorism and illegal people movements. Australia and Romania have a likeminded approach to a range of international issues in international security, including disarmament and non-proliferation.
Ms Logan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Executive Branch. She has previously served overseas in Paris, Colombo and Athens. In Canberra, Ms Logan has held a range of positions including Assistant Secretary, Papua New Guinea and Fiji Branch. She also served as an Adviser in the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs (2005-2007).
Ms Logan holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne, and a Graduate Diploma in Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Australian National University.
I thank outgoing Ambassador John Griffin for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Greece, Bulgaria and Romania since 2014.