DUSHANBE, October 29, 2014, Asia-Plus – Mr. Hugh Philpott has been appointed Her Majesty''s Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan in succession to Mr. Robin Ord-Smith MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment, according to the British Embassy in Dushanbe.

Mr. Philpott will take up his appointment during January 2015.

Mr. Philpott joined the FCO in 1980 where he has worked on a broad range of issues including International Security, Overseas Territories and the Middle East. He has previously served in Oslo, Budapest, Baghdad, Washington and Muscat. He has also worked at the Department for International Development providing technical assistance to Russia and also for the Department of Business Innovation and Skills where he led the UK Science and Innovation Network.

On his appointment as Her Majesty''s Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Philpott has said “I am delighted and honored to have been appointed as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan. I look forward to taking up my posting during an important and exciting time in the development of Tajikistan. I am pleased to have this opportunity to deepen our relations with the Government and people of Tajikistan.”

Speaking on the announcement of Mr. Philpott as his successor, Mr. Ord-Smith said “I am delighted that Hugh Philpott will succeed me as HM Ambassador to Tajikistan.  He will bring to the position wide and relevant diplomatic experience and will continue the work of strengthening and deepening the ties between our two countries that I, my predecessors and the British Embassy staff and our Tajik partners have started.  I hope that he and his family will enjoy his posting, the beauty of the country and warmth of the Tajik people as much as I have.  I wish him every success in his mission.”