Andrew James Sparkes CMG has been appointed as new British Ambassador to Nepal in succession to John Tucknott MBE, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Sparkes will take up his appointment during April/May 2013, states a press release issued by the British Embassy.

Sparkes has recently finished a secondment to the European Union as Deputy Head of the largest EU civilian mission in the world, the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo.  Prior to that he was British Ambassador to Kosovo, having previously served as British Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo.  

On his appointment as the ambassador to Nepal, Sparkes said “It is a great privilege to be appointed British Ambassador to a country with which we have had such a special relationship for so long.  I look forward to playing my part in taking that relationship forward, as Nepal redefines itself as a nation, especially through our development partnership. My goal will be to enhance the peace and prosperity of a people for whom the British have a special affection.”