EU’s new envoy to Pakistan excited about her assignment

European body appoints its first-ever female ambassador to Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The European Union has designated Androulla Kaminara as its new envoy to Pakistan in what will be the European body’s first-ever female ambassador to Pakistan.

Kaminara has been working in Brussels, at the EU headquarters, before being appointed as ambassador to Pakistan. She replaces EU’s outgoing ambassador to Pakistan Jean Francois Cautain.

In introducing her as the new ambassador-designate to Pakistan, Cuatain had wished her a very “fruitful and successful posting”.

In response, Kaminara had congratulated Cautain on completing his assignment before wishing him on his next challenge.

“I very much look forward to being in Pakistan,” she said.

In her recent posts on microblogging site Twitter, she stated, “Religion has to be part of the solution. In all continents, there are people of faith who have chosen the path of respect and coexistence. Not in spite of their faith, but because of their faith."

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She is an experienced EU official with a career of over two decades in the European Commission in various Directorate Generals (technology, communications, development cooperation, international relations, humanitarian aid). Furthermore, she has also served in different functions such as a member of cabinet for two commissioners, head of the unit, director, head of representation, head of task force, director.

Moreover, Kaminara always had a great interest in research and education and had served for two years as EU fellow at St. Antony's College, Oxford University as well as a research associate at King's College London. She specialises in EU policies and the geopolitics of energy. Before joining the European Commission she had served as a consultant for an international firm, advisor to two cabinet ministers in Greece, a systems analyst for a bank and general manager of a private consultancy firm.

Political and security relations are getting stronger, something which is underscored by the EU-Pakistan five-year engagement plan. A Pakistan-EU Joint Commission meets annually to review the plan’s progress.

It may be mentioned here that the EU and Pakistan have a significant political partnership.

The delegation represents the EU on a range of issues including development cooperation, trade, humanitarian assistance, security and counter-terrorism, energy, environment, health, transport, migration and climate change.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2019.