(18-04-23) LONDON – On Modany Mr Michael Nithavrianakis MVO has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Somalia in succession to Ms Kate Foster OBE. With an extensive diplomatic background and experience in various countries, Nithavrianakis is expected to strengthen the ties between Somalia and the United Kingdom. But who is this new ambassador, and what can we expect from his tenure in Somalia?
Nithavrianakis succeeds Ms Kate Foster, who held the ambassadorial position since February 2021 and played a significant role in the recent elections in Somalia in 2022. He will officially assume his new role in May 2023, taking on the responsibilities assigned to him as the British ambassador.
Throughout his career, Nithavrianakis has held various diplomatic postings, including in Malaysia, Russia, Ghana, Greece and Saudi Arabia. In addition, he served as the Deputy Head of Crisis Management in the Counter-Terrorism Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London for three years. He then became the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul-General at the British Embassy in Athens.
Before his appointment as the UK ambassador to Somalia, Nithavrianakis served as the British Deputy High Commissioner to South India, where he was responsible for leading the UK’s diplomatic efforts and promoting trade and investment links between South India and the UK. He also worked as a Managing Director at Castle Gordon, a consultancy that helped British clients do business in India and provided business development advice to Indian clients investing in the UK and looking to expand international operations.
As a seasoned diplomatic leader, Nithavrianakis is anticipated to enhance cooperation between Somalia and the UK, and bolster the relationship between the two nations. Britain has been one of the European countries with strong ties to the Somali federal government, providing training and funding to the Somali National Army in its ongoing battle against the Al-Shabaab group.
Recently, the two governments signed a new agreement in Mogadishu called the Better Lives project. This three-year initiative, to be implemented by UNICEF, aims to improve the quality of life for people in the Jubbaland, Galmudug, and Banadir regions. This collaboration signifies the ongoing commitment of both nations to work together in pursuit of stability and progress.
In his new role as the UK ambassador to Somalia, Michael Nithavrianakis will have the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor. His diverse experience and diplomatic expertise will undoubtedly serve to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Somalia, fostering a partnership that benefits both nations.
