Malawi has new British High Commissioner
The British Government has appointed Michael Nevin as new High Commissioner to Malawi marking the return of smooth bilateral relations between the two countries.
A statement from the British High Commission dated June 22 2012 says Nevin will take up his appointment in September 2012.
Nevin joined the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 1993 and has to date served two postings in Africa, including in Malawi earlier in his career. He will come to Malawi having served four years in Nairobi.
“My family and I are delighted to be coming back to the Warm Heart of Africa. It is an honour to be chosen to serve again in such a beautiful country with such wonderful people. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues as we help the government and people of Malawi contend with the challenges of democratic and economic revitalisation.
“The changes proposed by President Joyce Banda are important primarily for Malawians, but they can also serve to establish Malawi as a leading progressive force internationally.
“There is much to build on—a reputation for friendliness, wonderful tourism, music and cultural prospects and in the Flames and Queens, a growing sporting reputation. I pledge to do all I can to strengthen the relationship as we support Malawians in this new era,†said Nevin in the statement.
He is married to Sawako and the family has three children; Marie, Caley and Mio.
Nevin joined FCO as assistant desk officer for China and Taiwan up to 1995.
In 1996 he went to British Embassy in Riyadh and in the same year moved to New York, UK Mission to United Nations.
He was later moved to BCG Osaka as management officer or vice-consul and information officer until 2000 when he was moved to British High Commission in Lilongwe as press and public affairs officer until 2003.
Then he went to Middle East, North Africa, as Arab reform officer until 2004 before he became policy team leader for Engaging Islamic World till 2006.
In the same year, he was team leader for counter-terrorism prevent communications in the FCO until 2007.
Between 2007 and 2008, he was on secondment to counter terrorism research, information and communications unit in Home Office and between 2008 until now, he was deputy High Commissioner in Nairobi.
Late president Bingu wa Mutharika expelled former British envoy Fergus Cochrane-Dyet in 2011 for “leaking†a diplomatic cable that described Mutharika as a dictator. Bilateral relations soured since then.
President Joyce Banda has normalised the relations.
