Ambassador to Mongolia

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Katie Smith as Australia’s next Ambassador to Mongolia.

In 2022, Australia and Mongolia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.

The relationship is strong and growing, underpinned by our deep trade, investment and people-to-people links.

Australia is a significant investor in Mongolia, contributing approximately $680 million in total foreign direct investment.

Based on our strong partnership with the Government of Mongolia, our development assistance supports human resource capacity building and sustainable and inclusive economic development.

We cooperate closely on defence and security, including through Australia’s annual participation in the Khaan Quest peacekeeping exercises hosted by Mongolia.

Ms Smith is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and was most recently Director, Papua New Guinea Political and Torres Strait section.

She has previously served overseas in Laos, Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

I thank former Ambassador David Vosen for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Mongolia since 2019.