Australia appoints new Israeli ambassador

James Larsen ‚Ä¶ completing his term as Australia's ambassador to Israel. Photo: AJN file

AJN STAFF

AUSTRALIA will have a new ambassador to Israel with Andrea Faulkner set to take over from James Larsen in March.

Faulkner, a diplomat who has previously spent time in Tel Aviv, has extensive experience in the Australian foreign service. She recently served as assistant secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Africa branch.

She represented Australia in Vietnam, as second-in-command of the embassy in Hanoi. She has also worked in Paris and had a previous stint in the Tel Aviv embassy.

In announcing Faulkner’s appointment, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith spoke highly of Australia and Israel’s relationship.

“Australia and Israel’s longstanding and warm friendship is based on Australia’s historical support for Israel and our shared commitment to freedom, security and democracy,” Smith said.

Larsen leaves Israel after more than three years in the job.

comments