The United Kingdom announced the appointment of Michael Nithavrianakis as the new British Ambassador to Somalia on Monday. Nithavrianakis will succeed Kate Foster, who is set to take up another appointment within the Diplomatic Service. The incoming Ambassador is expected to assume his new role in May 2023.
Michael Nithavrianakis is a career diplomat with a diverse range of experiences spanning over three decades. Before his appointment in Somalia, Nithavrianakis served as the HM Consul General and Director of Trade & Investment in Italy from 2022 to 2023. Before that, he was Deputy High Commissioner and Director of Trade & Investment in Pakistan between 2019 and 2022.
In addition to his roles in Italy and Pakistan, Nithavrianakis has held various diplomatic positions in countries such as Greece, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Malaysia, and Russia.
Nithavrianakis’ appointment comes as the UK continues to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Somalia. The UK reopened its embassy in Mogadishu in 2013 after a 22-year absence, becoming the first EU state member to do so. Earlier this year, Somalia also reopened its embassy in London after being closed for 32 years, signalling further cooperation between the two nations.
