Today I announce the appointment of Suzanne McCourt as Australia's Ambassador to the Republic of Zimbabwe, with non-resident accreditation to the Republic of Malawi, the Republic of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Australia supported Zimbabwe to achieve independence in 1980 and has
retained close ties with Zimbabwe through strong people-to-people links,
commercial engagement and our development assistance program.
Australia is working with the international community to pursue the
full implementation of Zimbabwe's Constitution, which received
overwhelming support across the Zimbabwean political spectrum. We
support all Zimbabweans as they move towards a more democratic and
prosperous future.
Australia has warm relationships with the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Malawi and Zambia. Commercial and mining ties are increasing
with further potential for growth in other sectors, such as agribusiness
and education. Australia also works constructively to promote peace
and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as demonstrated
during our recent UN Security Council term.
Ms McCourt is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade. In Canberra she has most recently served in trade law and
in-house counsel positions. Overseas she has served as Deputy Head of
Mission at the Australian Embassy in Dili and in The Hague. Ms McCourt
holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Economics from the
University of Adelaide. She has an Executive Master of Public
Administration from the Australian National University, and
post-graduate qualifications from the University of South Australia and
Monash University. She is married with two children.
Ms McCourt is expected to take up her appointment during March 2015.
I thank outgoing Ambassador Matthew Neuhaus for his work in
strengthening Australia's relations with Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and
the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2011.
Media release: Ambassador to Zimbabwe