Today I announce the appointment of Mr Geoff Bowan as Australia's next Ambassador to Ukraine, with non-resident accreditation to Moldova.
Australia is steadfast in support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's full-scale invasion. Australians admire the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
As Ambassador, Mr Bowan will lead Australia's engagement with and support for Ukraine as it works to secure a just and lasting peace.
Mr Bowan will coordinate Australian assistance and deepen cooperation across shared priorities, including military, humanitarian and energy assistance, trade and investment, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people links.
He will also advance Australia's regional interests, including engagement with Moldova, while maintaining essential consular services for Australians in the region.
Mr Bowan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Eastern and Southeast Europe Branch. He has previously served overseas on two occasions in Beijing.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Paul Lehmann for his contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Ukraine and Moldova since 2023.
