Andrew Dalgleish presented his credentials as Britain’s new Ambassador to Croatia on July 12, 2016. The full press release below.
Mr Andrew Dalgleish will present his credentials to the President of Croatia on Tuesday 12 July, becoming the United Kingdom’s eighth Ambassador to Croatia. His previous role was Deputy Head of Mission and Director of UK Trade and Investment at the British Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. He graduated with a First Class degree in European Law from the University of Warwick (including a year at Bordeaux University studying French law) and first joined the FCO in 1999, serving as Second and then First Secretary in the UK’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels. From 2004 until 2008, he worked at DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
He came back to the FCO in 2008 to head the European Union Strategy Department, which included preparing the Prime Minister’s European Council briefings, shaping policies, preparing influencing strategies and negotiating positions for the UK within the EU.
In 2011, he took up the post of Deputy Ambassador in Seoul and was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Croatia in August 2015.
“It is an honour and privilege to be appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to this beautiful country,’’ Ambassador Dalgleish said upon his arrival.
“I have spent the past few months studying the Croatian language and learning about the history and culture of this very old, yet still so young country,’’ he said. ‘’In that sense, it was particularly useful for me to have spent a few weeks earlier this year living with a Croatian family in Samobor. I am excited and looking forward to deepening our dialogue and cooperation and to promoting our mutual prosperity and security.’’
“Relations between the UK and Croatia have improved greatly in the past few years – politically, in business, culture, tourism, defence – but there is scope to build on this and to work even more closely together ,’’ he said.
“I arrive at a very interesting time, with the decision of the British people to leave the EU and new Parliamentary elections ahead in Croatia,’’ he said. ‘’There will be challenges ahead, but they also offer the potential to open new areas where we can work together. I will use my time here to ensure the UK and Croatia strengthen the already excellent relationship we have.’’
“On a personal note, we – my wife, my two sons and myself – are very happy and excited about our new life in Croatia.’’
Ambassador Dalgleish will succeed Mr David Slinn, who ended his mandate in February 2015. Mr Ian Cliff served as the UK Chargé d’Affaires until July 2016.
