Today I announce the appointment of Mr Richard Rodgers as Australia's next Ambassador to Croatia.
Mr Rodgers will also be accredited to Kosovo.
In 2022, Australia and Croatia celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. Our two countries have strong links, underpinned by a large Croatian diaspora in Australia that enriches our society and provides the foundation for business, academic and cultural exchanges.
Australia's trade and investment links with Croatia are diversifying, including in the energy, IT and travel sectors. We will continue working with Croatia and other European Union members on the swift conclusion of an ambitious and comprehensive Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Mr Rodgers is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Director, Afghanistan Political and Central Asia Section.
He has previously served overseas as Chargé d'Affaires in Kabul, then the Interim Mission on Afghanistan in Doha, as well as in Manila, Dhaka and Singapore.
I thank outgoing Chargé d'Affaires Andrea Biggi for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Croatia and Kosovo since 2021.
