Ambassador to Belgium

Today I announce the appointment of General (Rtd) Angus Campbell AO as Australia's next Ambassador to Belgium.

General Campbell has also been nominated as the Ambassador to the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Luxembourg.

Australia has warm relationships with Belgium, the EU, NATO and Luxembourg, founded on a shared commitment to the global rules-based order.

Australia's close ties with Belgium build on the legacy of those Australians who fought and died in Flanders fields during the First World War. We also enjoy productive, contemporary economic and political links.

Australia and the EU cooperate closely on a broad range of international issues including trade, climate, human rights, energy and global rules and norms. We work together in the Indo-Pacific to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous region where international law is upheld.

Australia remains committed to concluding a free trade agreement with the EU that is in our national interest.

Australia and NATO have a longstanding relationship based on a shared commitment to stability, peace and prosperity. This is demonstrated through regular political and defence engagement.

General Campbell is a retired senior officer in the Australian Army, who served as the Chief of the Defence Force from 2018 until 2024. He was previously posted as Commander Operation Sovereign Borders from September 2013 until he was appointed Chief of Army in May 2015.

I thank former Ambassador Ms Caroline Millar for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests with the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg since 2021.