LONDON (Armenpress)–The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has announced the appointment of Thorda Abbott-Watt as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia. Abbott-Watt’s career has included postings to Latin America–Eastern and Western Europe and–most recently–Dushanbe–where she opened Britain’s first embassy in Tajikistan–The Times (London) reported.
Looking ahead to her move to Yerevan she said: "To borrow from Gladstone–to serve Armenia is to serve civilization." I am both delighted and honored to have been appointed British Ambassador in Yerevan. The UK is committed to a strong–stable and independent Armenia and I intend to ensure that Britain continues to help with the important reform process under way."
Noting that her posting raised the number of female heads of post overseas to 22–Abbott-Watt added: "I look forward to the day when it is no longer remarkable to see a woman ambassador in the flag car. But if my appointment encourages other women to believe that today’s foreign office is a place where they can pursue a career to the top–then I am doubly proud."
Abbott-Watt will take up her new appointment in December. She succeeds Timothy Jones who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
