New Australian High Commissioner to Tonga

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop has announced the appointment of the next High Commissioner to Tonga.

Stated from the Australian High Commission’s office in Tonga, Ms. Bishop has appointed Mr. Andrew Ford to continue and uphold the bilateral relation of Australia to Tonga including all matters and tasks regards the country in Tonga.

Ms. Bishop in the statement from the Australian High Commission’s office says that the longstanding and cooperative relationship with Tonga is underpinned by our strong defence, policing and development partnerships, with our countries working closely on maritime security, fisheries protection, transnational crime threats and natural disaster management.

“Through our development programs, Australia works with Tonga to implement governance, economic and private sector reforms, promote an efficient and effective health system and provide skills development and economic opportunities for Tongan workers.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner, Mr Brett Aldam, for his contribution to advancing Australia’s partnership with Tonga.”

Mr. Ford will continue the outstanding and long term responsibility of the now former High Commissioner, Brett Aldam as he farewells the country this week, departing next week.

Mr. Aldam is defined by the people of Tonga to be one that will be terribly missed by all.

He holds a major contribution to advancing Australia’s partnership with Tonga.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ford is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and until recently was Director of the Free Trade Agreement Policy and New Issues Section. Mr Ford has served as Director of areas responsible for Trade Competitiveness, International Economics and Finance, and Trade Policy as well as Security Policy and Operations.

He has previously served overseas as Counsellor (Political and Economic) in Kuala Lumpur and First Secretary (Economic) in Seoul.

Mr Ford will take up his appointment next month.

     

Author: 
Aust High Commission - Tonga