In an unprecedented transfer, the British authorities has stated it has appointed Jane Marriott as the primary feminine excessive commissioner to Pakistan.
Marriot, who is able to take up her position in mid-July, stated she was excited to be appointed as the subsequent British Excessive Commissioner to Pakistan — which she has visited twice earlier than.
“I’m trying ahead to attending to know this culturally wealthy and deeply numerous nation even higher. The UK’s relationship with Pakistan is rooted in shared historical past. Our people-to-people ties bind our international locations collectively in a standard partnership, which I might be aiming to strengthen additional,” Marriot stated.
Previous to this appointment, Marriot was the excessive commissioner to Kenya from September 2019 to June 2023. Throughout her tenure, she delivered a brand new UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, strengthening ties throughout mutual prosperity, sustainable improvement, safety and stability, people-to-people hyperlinks and tackling local weather change.
Below her management, she oversaw the launch of latest clear, inexperienced, sustainable vitality initiatives in addition to delivering UK-Kenyan cooperation to create the first-ever Kenyan Marine Commando Unit, underlining the UK’s dedication to the combat in opposition to terrorism in Kenya and the area.
She additionally supported the restoration of over 1,000 hectares of deforested land, and below her management, the UK established a ‘Digital Entry Programme’ in partnership with Kenyan stakeholders within the tech business to coach customers on digital inclusion, cyber hygiene, and the regulation of on-line content material.
The newly-appointed excessive commissioner brings a wealth of thematic and regional expertise to her new position having joined the UK’s International, Commonwealth & Improvement Workplace (FCDO) in 2001, following roles within the Cupboard Workplace and Dwelling Workplace. She has beforehand served because the director of the UK’s Joint Worldwide Counter-Terrorism Unit, joint FCDO Director for the Center East and North Africa, ambassador to Sana’a, Yemen (2013-15), deputy and appearing ambassador to Tehran; and as an adviser to the US particular consultant to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke. She has additionally accomplished two diplomatic postings to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.