Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Iraq
Frank Baker has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq.
Mr Francis (Frank) Raymond Baker OBE has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq in succession to Mr Simon Paul Collis CMG, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Baker will take up his appointment in September 2014.
Mr Baker joined the FCO in 1981.Over the last 20 years he has worked almost exclusively on the Middle East with a particular focus on conflict and security issues (including Iraq, Yemen and the Middle East Peace Process). He has had postings in Ankara, Washington (twice) and most recently as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait (2010-2014), as well as in Panama and Buenos Aires. He was also Deputy Director for the Middle East from 2007-2010 with a focus on Iraq and the Gulf.
On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq, Mr Baker said:
I am honoured to be appointed as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq. I look forward to working closely with the Government and people of Iraq to strengthen relations between our countries.
My initial focus will be on the short term challenges facing Iraq. I will use my experience of working with the Iraqi people over the last 20 years to find ways in which the UK can help them address and overcome these challenges. I will also focus on the broad range of opportunities across the political and economic spectrum where both countries can benefit from working closely together. If we are to be successful our work must be rooted in a sound appreciation of our historical links but firmly aimed at building for the future. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take forward this challenging, exciting and valuable task.
CURRICULUM VITAE
| Full name | Francis (Frank) Raymond Baker OBE |
| 2010 – present | Kuwait City, Her Majesty’s Ambassador |
| 2007 – 2010 | FCO, Deputy Director, Middle East |
| 2003 – 2007 | Washington, Political/Military Counsellor |
| 2000 – 2003 | FCO, Head of Africa Department (Equatorial) |
| 1998 – 2000 | FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State |
| 1998 | FCO, Head of Iraq Section, Middle East Department |
| 1996 – 1998 | Washington, on secondment to US Government |
| 1993 – 1996 | Ankara, First Secretary |
| 1991 – 1993 | FCO, Desk Officer, Human Rights Policy Department |
| 1986 – 1991 | Buenos Aires, Third, later Second Secretary |
| 1983 – 1986 | Panama City, Third Secretary |
| 1981 – 1982 | FCO, Personnel Operations Department |
| 1981 | Joined FCO |
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