ISLAMABAD, AUG 5 (DNA) – Mike Nithavrianakis has been appointed as the British Deputy High Commissioner to Karachi and UK Trade Director for Pakistan in succession to Ms. Elin Burns.

Nithavrianakis is a career diplomat who joined the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the 1980s. He has had postings to Malaysia, Russia, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Greece. More recently he has served as Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai and Deputy Ambassador in Kabul.

Nithavrianakis has also spent a period on sabbatical from the foreign service gaining experience in the private sector. Several of his diplomatic roles have focussed on international security, regional politics and supporting bilateral trade & investment priorities.

Nithavrianakis brings with him a diverse background being born to a Greek father and Scottish mother and growing up in South-West Scotland.  He is married with two grown up children.  His interests include reading, running and trekking.

Speaking upon his arrival in Karachi, Mr. Nithavrianakis said:“I am delighted to have been appointed as the British Deputy High Commissioner to Karachi. Having worked in the region previously and visited Pakistan twice, I already feel a warm connection with the country. I am looking forward to exploring all that Pakistan has to offer, particularly in the areas of trade & investment and in enhancing our two countries’ prosperity.

“The relationship between the UK and Pakistan remains deep and strong, and in my new role as Director for Trade, I am committed to strengthening these connections during my time here.

British High Commissioner Thomas Drew, CMG welcomed Mr. Nithavrianakis to Pakistan saying:“I am delighted to welcome Mike Nithavrianakis to Pakistan. He brings a wealth of experience and regional expertise to his appointment as Deputy High Commissioner Karachi and, as Director of Trade and Investment for Pakistan.

“The UK has a strong history of commercial links with Pakistan. Strengthening them further is one of my top priorities: they are good for the UK and good for Pakistan. I look forward to working with Mike to do so.”=DNA

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