Hon Murray McCully
Minister of Foreign Affairs
21 December 2012 Media Statement
Ambassadors appointed to Belgium and Sweden
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced changes to New Zealand’s representation in Europe following the
closure of the embassy in Sweden.
Paula Wilson, recently appointed Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Mission in Brussels, will become Ambassador
to Belgium.
Brussels Head of Mission and Ambassador to the EU, Vangelis Vitalis, will also take responsibility as the accredited
Ambassador to Sweden.
Ms Wilson has served in Berlin and Canberra and in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Europe and Trade
Negotiations divisions.
Mr Vitalis has extensive trade negotiations experience, including with ASEAN and the Russia/Belarus/Kazakhstan Customs
Union.
Mr McCully says he is confident two new diplomatic arrangements in Europe will serve New Zealand’s interests well.
ENDS