New Embassy and appointment of Ambassador to Mongolia

Today I announce the opening of the Australian Embassy in Mongolia and the appointment of Mr John Langtry as Australia's first resident Ambassador to Mongolia.

This year, I committed to the establishment of five new diplomatic posts, the largest single expansion of Australia's diplomatic network in decades.

Australia established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1972 and our bilateral engagement has continued to grow following its major economic reforms in the 1990s.

Mongolia's economy is largely driven by its significant resource base, and has the potential to grow further. Mongolia is also a developed democracy and is well placed to continue making an active contribution to prosperity in the region.

Australia's Embassy in Ulaanbaatar will better serve more than 50 Australian organisations currently undertaking business in Mongolia and many more seeking trade, investment and education opportunities there.

Today's Embassy opening gives weight to the strong and growing relationship between Australia and Mongolia. Our two countries share similar values and priorities including free markets and the promotion of human rights. The Embassy will enhance our already strong cooperation on global and regional issues, including defence and security.

Mr Langtry is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He is currently Assistant Secretary, North East Asia Branch, a position he has held since 2013. Mr Langtry has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Berlin; Deputy Head of Post, Australian Consulate-General, Hong Kong; First Secretary, Australian Embassy, Tokyo; and Third/Second Secretary, Australian Embassy, Beijing.

In Canberra, Mr Langtry has served as Assistant Secretary, East Asia Branch; Assistant Secretary, Diplomatic Security Branch; Director, Management and Corporate Strategy Section; Director, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan Section; and Director, Asian Projects Section.

Mr Langtry holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

I would like to thank Australia's Consul-General in Ulaanbaatar, Mr Brendan Coyne, and Australia's non-resident Ambassador to Mongolia (accredited from Seoul), Mr Bill Paterson, for their significant contribution to the bilateral relationship.