Press release

Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Jordan

Edward Oakden CMG has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Edward Oakden CMG

Mr Edward Oakden CMG has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in succession to Mr Peter Millett, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Oakden will take up his appointment in April 2015.

Mr Oakden has served as Director for the Middle East since July 2013, with responsibility for the UK’s relationships with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Iraq, Iran and Yemen as well as the Coalition’s fight against ISIL. After 4 years as British Ambassador to the UAE, he served as Managing Director for Strategic Trade in UK Trade and Investment. He was the UK’s Ambassador for Counter-terrorism and the FCO Director for Defence and Strategic Threats for four years following the 9/11 attacks in the US; and served in No 10 as Prime Minister John Major’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Northern Ireland. He has spent much of the rest of his career moving between the Middle East and London, with postings in Baghdad, Khartoum, Washington and Madrid.

On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mr Oakden commented:

At this critical time for the region, the United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Jordan. Our two countries are the closest of allies, for reasons of both history and shared national interest. So it is an enormous honour to lead the UK’s work in Jordan as we strive together, for the security of our two countries above all, but also for the success of our businesses, our cultural ties and the multitude of links, formal and informal, which bind our peoples so strongly together. The UK remains firmly committed to providing strong political and economic support for the security, stability and prosperity of Jordan.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Full name: Edward Oakden CMG
2013 - present FCO, Director Middle East
2012 - 2013 UKTI, Managing Director Strategic Trade
2010 - 2012 UKTI, Managing Director Sectors Group
2006 - 2010 Abu Dhabi, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2004 - 2006 FCO, Director for Defence and Strategic Threats, and Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism
2002 - 2004 FCO, Director for International Security
2002 FCO, Head of Security Policy Department
1998 - 2002 Madrid, Deputy Head of Mission
1997 - 1998 FCO, Deputy Head, EU Department (Internal)
1995 - 1997 Private Secretary to the Prime Minister
1992 - 1995 FCO, Deputy Head, EU Department (External) & Eastern Adriatic Department
1988 - 1992 Washington, Private Secretary to the Ambassador
1985 - 1988 Khartoum, Second Secretary
1984 - 1985 Baghdad, Third (later Second) Secretary
1981 Joined FCO

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Published 23 February 2015