High Commissioner to Pakistan

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Geoffrey Shaw as Australia's next High Commissioner to Pakistan.

Australia and Pakistan enjoy a long-standing relationship built on our shared strategic interests, Commonwealth heritage and strong community links.

Our countries have a common interest in promoting peace and stability in our region. Our two nations cooperate on defence, transnational crime and border protection, and work together to combat terrorism and people smuggling. As fellow members of the Human Rights Council, we are united in our commitment to promoting human rights.

Our people-to-people links are strong and growing. Australia has a large and flourishing Pakistani community. Our nation remains an important education partner for Pakistan, with significant numbers of Pakistani students choosing to study in Australia. We also share important economic and sporting ties.

Dr Shaw is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Ambassador, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

Dr Shaw holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Australian National University; a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wollongong; and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management from Flinders University.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Margaret Adamson for her contributions to advancing Australia's interests in Pakistan since 2015.