Today I announce the appointment of Ms Andrea Faulkner as Australia's next Ambassador to Myanmar.
Australia and Myanmar share a longstanding relationship, extending back to 1952. As a member of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit, Myanmar is an important partner for Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.
Myanmar faces formidable political, economic and development challenges following decades of military rule. Australia is supporting Myanmar's democratic transition through our development program, focusing on education.
Australia remains deeply concerned about human rights in Myanmar, including in Rakhine State. We will continue to support the humanitarian needs of those affected, and work with Myanmar and our partners in the region towards a long term and durable solution to the crisis.
Ms Faulkner is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Sustainability and Climate Change Branch. She has previously served overseas as Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Tel Aviv; Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Hanoi and First Secretary, Australian Embassy, Paris. In Canberra, she has served in various positions covering the United States, the Middle East, and Africa.
Ms Faulkner holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), a Bachelor of Music and a Diploma in Education from the University of Adelaide.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Nicholas Coppel for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Myanmar since 2015.
