'Will meet again': Christian Turner bids farewell to Pakistan

Turner to assume senior diplomatic position in London as director general geopolitical at UK’s FCDO

Christian Turner, who arrived in Pakistan as the British high commissioner, bid farewell to the country on Friday as his three-year diplomatic posting tenure has come to an end.

In a tweet, the official said "it was a pleasure knowing you," adding that "we will meet again".

He also posted a video on his official Twitter handle, wherein he can be seen packing his belongings that include traditional Pakistani attire and food, as well as a cricket bat. 

Aap se mil kar bohat acha laga. Phir milai’n gai. pic.twitter.com/HjpT06dtz9

— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) January 13, 2023

"Long live UK-Pakistan friendship," he said in the video message.

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Last month, Turner announced that he will leave Islamabad in January and assume a senior diplomatic position in London as the director general geopolitical (Political Director) at the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

"Pakistan, I will miss you," he added in a tweet sharing the news.

It has been announced today that I will leave Pakistan in January to take up position as DG Geopolitical, the “Political Director” in @FCDOGovUK

Pakistan, I will miss you. https://t.co/qHi36i17W8

— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) December 5, 2022

He appreciated the hard work of the team at the British High Commission in Pakistan, saying that he relied on them for all that he has done in the country.

Everything I have done in 🇵🇰 has relied on the brilliant & hardworking @ukinpakistan team. The thanks I am getting is for them - Bahut Shukriya! pic.twitter.com/SoaXKCRKh9

— Christian Turner (@CTurnerFCDO) January 12, 2023

Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman thanked Turner for his "active leadership on Pak-UK ties" and his "stellar public diplomacy in our climate crisis".

The British commissioner highlighted the strong and important relationship between Pakistan and the UK.

"Islamabad will miss you," said Rehman and hoped to stay in touch. When saying goodbye, the two reiterated that "we will meet again".

Khuda Hafiz, Phir milaingay. @CTurnerFCDO thank you for your active leadership on Pak-UK ties and your stellar public diplomacy in our climate crisis. Islamabad will miss you,but inshallah we will stay in touch. pic.twitter.com/pOgUYKQCJE

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) January 12, 2023

Turner has served as the British high commissioner to Pakistan since December 2019.

According to the UK Commission in Pakistan, over his three years, Turner oversaw the UK’s COVID-19 repatriation efforts, welcomed a UK foreign secretary visit, lobbied for and secured direct flights from the UK to Pakistan, and initiated efforts to double bilateral trade by 2025.

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Further, he ensured support from the UK during Pakistan's flood crisis and played a key role in promoting sports diplomacy, resulting in the return of the England men’s cricket team to Pakistan after 17 years.

"The last few years have been some of the most rewarding of my life, both professionally and personally. I will continue closely to follow Pakistan's future in my new role in London," said Turner.

There has been no announcement regarding the appointment of a new high commissioner to Pakistan. Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish will take on the role of chargé d’affaires until a new high commissioner arrives.