Today I announce the appointment of Ms Emily Pugin as Australia's next High Commissioner to Cyprus.
Australia and the Republic of Cyprus share longstanding connections, built on strong community ties, shared values, and an enduring commitment to a world governed by rights and rules, where the sovereignty of every nation is respected.
The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), which was established in 1964, was Australia's longest UN peacekeeping mission (53 years).
Australia has long supported and remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus.
The Cypriot diaspora has contributed immensely to Australia's multicultural fabric.
Ms Pugin is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served overseas at the Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, where she managed Australia's relationships with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo and Slovakia.
I thank outgoing High Commissioner Fiona McKergow for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Cyprus since 2022.