Andrew Ford has arrived in Tonga as Australian High Commissioner Designate.
As High Commissioner Mr Ford will build on Tonga and Australia’s longstanding and cooperative relationship.
“I look forward to building on Tonga and Australia’s close and broad partnership” said Mr Ford. “Australia will continue to work together with Tonga for economic prosperity, improved development outcomes and stability in the region.”
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.
The High Commissioner Designate is scheduled to present credentials to His Majesty King Tupou VI later this month.