Jane Marriott, the former British High Commissioner to Kenya, has been appointed as the new High Commissioner to Pakistan.
The announcement was made by the United Kingdom on Thursday, stating that Marriott will succeed Dr.
Christian Turner CMG, who has been transferred to another Diplomatic Service position.
Interestingly, Marriott succeeded Turner in Kenya when she was deployed there in 2019.
According to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Marriott will assume her new role in July 2023.
Responding to her appointment, Marriott said that Pakistan and the UK are connected by heritage, strong people ties, climate cooperation, and growing trade.
She pointed out that friendship and Commonwealth links between the two countries will contribute to a prosperous future.
Marriott previously served as the British Ambassador to Yemen from 2013 to 2015.
She also held the position of Director of the Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit from 2016 to 2019 before assuming her duties as the British High Commissioner to Kenya in 2019.
Her successor in Kenya will be Neil Wigan, who is expected to assume his role in July 2023.
The diplomatic shuffle comes at a time when relations between Pakistan and the UK have been strained due to various issues such as human rights violations and terrorism concerns.
However, with Marriott’s experience in counter-terrorism efforts during her tenure as Director of the Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit, it is hoped that she can help strengthen ties between both nations.
As Marriott prepares for her new role in Pakistan next year, she expressed optimism about building stronger relationships between both countries. “I am honored and excited to take up this important role,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with my Pakistani counterparts towards a brighter future for our nations.”.
