Arrival of the new British Ambassador to Kosovo
Mr Ruairí O’Connell arrives in Kosovo in advance of taking up his duties as Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo.
Mr Ruairí O’Connell, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo
On 10 April 2015, Mr Ruairí O’Connell arrived in Kosovo in advance of taking up his duties as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo in succession to Mr Ian Cameron Cliff OBE, who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr O’Connell will formally take up his duties as Ambassador when he hands over his credentials at a ceremony with President Jahjaga on Tuesday.
Mr O’Connell joined the FCO in 2001. Prior to his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, Mr O’Connell was 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 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.