Ambassador to Zimbabwe

Today I announce the appointment of Suzanne McCourt as Australia's Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe, with non-resident accreditation to the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Australia supported Zimbabwe to achieve independence in 1980 and has retained close ties with Zimbabwe through strong people-to-people links, commercial engagement and our development assistance program.

Australia is working with the international community to pursue the full implementation of Zimbabwe's Constitution, which received overwhelming support across the Zimbabwean political spectrum. We support all Zimbabweans as they move towards a more democratic and prosperous future.

Australia has warm relationships with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi and Zambia. Commercial and mining ties are increasing with further potential for growth in other sectors, such as agribusiness and education. Australia also works constructively to promote peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as demonstrated during our recent UN Security Council term.

Ms McCourt is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In Canberra she has most recently served in trade law and in-house counsel positions. Overseas she has served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Dili and in The Hague. Ms McCourt holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Adelaide. She has an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Australian National University, and post-graduate qualifications from the University of South Australia and Monash University. She is married with two children.

Ms McCourt is expected to take up her appointment during March 2015. I thank outgoing Ambassador Matthew Neuhaus for his work in strengthening Australia's relations with Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2011.