Ambassador to Serbia

  • Media release

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Ruth Stewart as Australia's next Ambassador to Serbia, with non-resident accreditation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

Australia shares warm relationships with all three nations, underpinned by enduring community ties. 175,000 Australians claim ancestry from the region, providing a strong foundation for business, tourism and cultural links.

We look forward to expanding our trade and investment relationships in the region. In 2016-17 our total two-way trade with Serbia was $121 million. Our total two-way trade with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was $56 million. Total two-way trade with Montenegro was $4 million.

Ms Stewart is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Phnom Penh. She has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Yangon, and Second Secretary, Australian Embassy, Stockholm. In Canberra, she has served in a range of positions, including as Director, ASEAN Section and Director, Myanmar Section.

Ms Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Julia Feeney for her contributions since 2013 to advancing Australia's interests in Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Montenegro.

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