Today I announce the appointment of Mr Paul Griffiths as Australia's next Ambassador to Israel.
Australia and Israel have a close relationship underpinned by strong historical connections and significant people-to-people links. Australia's vibrant and active Jewish community has made an enduring contribution to the warmth of the bilateral relationship.
Australia established diplomatic relations with the newly-formed State of Israel in 1949. The Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in Canberra were both opened in that year.
Australia and Israel have developed substantial cooperation since then, with recently increased engagement on innovation and technology, and enhanced defence and security links. We also have a growing trade and investment relationship, driven by Australia's innovation Landing Pad in Tel Aviv and our Trade and Defence Office in Jerusalem.
Mr Griffiths is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). His most recent overseas posting was Minister-Counsellor in Washington and he has previously served overseas in Jakarta, Manila and Seoul.
In the private sector, Mr Griffiths has worked for Palantir Technologies in London. He holds a Master of International Trade and Finance from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Chris Cannan for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Israel since 2017.
