Mike Nithavrianakis became the British Ambassador to Somalia last month taking over from his predecessor Kate Foster.

‘‘I am greatly honoured to have been appointed the UK’s Ambassador to Somalia. It was an incredibly proud moment to present my diplomatic credentials to His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” the new ambassador Nithavrianakis said.

"Somalia is blessed with hugely enterprising people and a rich culture, and together I am confident our countries will strengthen our relations and overcome the challenges we face,” he adds.

UK mission in Somalia 

The British Embassy in Somalia was re-established in 2012 to support Somalia in becoming a more stable, secure and prosperous state.

Currently, Somalia is facing a severe humanitarian situation where 6.6 million people remain in severe food insecurity, with approximately 477,000 children at risk of being severely malnourished.

The UK is a significant donor to the crisis, having committed over £61 million in the last financial year (22/23) for humanitarian, health and nutrition support.

"The UK’s support for, and commitment to, Somalia is stronger than ever, and I am thrilled to be getting started,” he added.

Nithavrianakis emphasised the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia, including supporting the fight against terrorist group al-Shabaab.

For his part, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his gratitude for the UK’s support to Somalia on multiple fronts stating that UK’s long standing ties with Somalia.

‘It is a great pleasure to have you here. We are grateful for UK support in the humanitarian, development and, above all, security sectors. The UK is a long- standing friend of Somalia,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.

Nithavrianakis brings a wealth of experience and knowledge into the new role. He first joined the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 1984.

He has had many roles and postings since then, including Deputy High Commissioner and Director Trade; Investment, Pakistan, Acting Deputy Head of Mission in Afghanistan, and most recently Consul General Milan; Director Trade; Investment in Italy.