Monday 21 Jul 2014 @ 09:15
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kosovo

Mr Ruairí O’Connell has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo. 

Mr Ruairí O’Connell has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo in succession to Mr Ian Cameron Cliff OBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr O’Connell will take up his appointment in early April 2015.

Mr O’Connell joined the FCO in 2001 and is currently Deputy Director in the Directorate for International Security and Head of the NATO Summit Unit. He has worked on a range of issues during his career, focusing on European security issues and sustainable economic development. He served in Kosovo during the lead up to Kosovo Independence.

On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr O’Connell said:

I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as British Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo. Through difficult recent history, Britain and Kosovo have developed a strong and lasting relationship. I look forward to returning to Kosovo and working again with friends old and new from all Kosovo communities to build on the strong links between our peoples, and to support Kosovo on the path to European Integration.

Curriculum vitae

Personal details  
Full name: Ruairí O’Connell
Married to: Elida Lawton O’Connell
Children: Two daughters, one son
2014 - Present FCO, Deputy Director, Head of NATO Summit Unit, Directorate for Defence and International Security
2013 - 2014 FCO, Head, Illegal Wildlife Trade Project
2012 - 2013 FCO, Deputy Director, London 2012 and GREAT Campaign
2010 - 2011 FCO, Head of Strategy and Analysis, Finance Directorate
2008 - 2010 FCO, Advisor/Head of Unit, for the Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative on Climate Change
2004 - 2008 Pristina, Second Secretary Political, later Deputy Head of Mission
2001 - 2002 FCO, Eastern Adriatic Department

Further information

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