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