Ambassador to Ukraine

  • Media release

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Melissa O'Rourke as Australia's next Ambassador to Ukraine.

Australia is a steadfast supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We cooperate closely on issues relating to the investigation of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

Our economic relationship continues to develop and mature. Total two-way goods and services trade was valued at $156 million in 2015-16 and strong opportunities exist for Australia's resources sector. Australian investment in Ukraine was worth $60 million in 2015.

Australia and Ukraine share a mutual interest in global peace and security, working together as part of the Global Coalition Against ISIS. We cooperated closely during our respective UN Security Council terms, and jointly contributed personnel to UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Cyprus and the NATO-led stabilisation of Afghanistan.

Ms O'Rourke is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and has held a range of positions in DFAT including Director, United Nations and Commonwealth Section. She was most recently Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy, Moscow. She has also served overseas in Brussels and Bangkok.

Ms O'Rourke holds a Master of International Law, Australian National University; a Master of International Relations and Asian Politics, University of Queensland; a Bachelor of International Business, Queensland University of Technology; and Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Queensland. She is expected to take up her appointment in September 2017.

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