New Ambassador to Madagascar appointed
Mr Timothy Smart has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar. Mr Smart will take up his appointment this month.
The decision to re-open our Embassy in Madagascar was announced in May 2011 as part of the UK government’s policy of “network shift” to extend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s global reach.
When he made this announcement, the Foreign Secretary said that the strength of our embassy network is a signal to the world of our engagement and commitment to international peace and security. By strengthening Britain’s diplomatic network in Madagascar and elsewhere, we will ensure that the UK has the necessary reach and capacity to respond quickly and effectively when British companies need our assistance or British nationals are in danger.
The Embassy will be fully functional by March 2013.
Mr Smart joined the FCO in 1999 and has previously served in Israel, Iraq, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.
On his appointment as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar, Mr Smart said, “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar. I will do my best to strengthen further our long lasting relations with the people of Madagascar and work with all sections in the country on their path towards a fully democratic government. I look forward to building our political, commercial and cultural ties with a view to helping build a safer, fairer and more prosperous future for both of our countries.”
Reacting to the re-opening of the UK’s Embassy in Madagascar and the appointment of Tim Smart, Sir Mervyn Brown, President of the Anglo Malagasy Society said, “The Anglo Malagasy Society is delighted by the re-opening of our Embassy in Madagascar and the appointment of a new Ambassador.
The long history of good relations between our two countries, going back two hundred years, will be reinvigorated by this appointment and the Malagasy people, having struggled through recent political and social challenges, will be greatly encouraged by this most welcome news.”
Curriculum vitae
Full name: Timothy Spencer Smart
2011 - 2012
Suva, Charge d’Affaires and Head of the South Pacific Network
2008 - 2011
British High Commissioner, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Local Representative of the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, Honiara
2007 - 2008 FCO, Deputy Head Public Diplomacy Group and Head of the Strategic Communication Unit
2006 -2007
FCO, Press Secretary to the Permanent Under Secretary
2005 - 2006
FCO, Team Leader EU Middle East North Africa Team
2004 - 2005
Basra, Head of Chancery, Her Majesty’s Consulate General
2001 - 2004
Tel Aviv, Second Secretary Political
1999 - 2000
FCO, Desk Officer OSCE Department