New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has announced that career diplomat, Caroline Bilkey will be the country’s next Ambassador to France.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta said Ms Bilkey would also represent New Zealand at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and would be accredited to Monaco, Portugal, and Senegal.
“Aotearoa New Zealand and France have a shared history, and enjoy a strong, collaborative partnership,” Ms Mahuta said.
“This includes a strong trade and economic relationship, a shared commitment to support the Pacific, action on climate change, strengthening the multilateral system, and warm people-to-people links,” she said.
Ms Bilkey (pictured) has held the position of Assistant Secretary and Director of the MFAT Auckland office since 2018 and has served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to Brazil and Suriname and New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa.
Ms Mahuta said that as Permanent Representative to the OECD, Ms Bilkey would support New Zealand’s focus on economic recovery post-COVID, as well as key policy challenges such as the integration of wellbeing and inclusivity considerations into the work of the OECD and efforts to tax the digital economy.
“We know that sustaining our diplomatic networks is more important than ever as we collectively combat COVID-19,” the Minister said.
“Ms Bilkey’s appointment will further strengthen our relationships with global partners at this crucial time and into the future,” she said.
Wellington, 18 October 2021
