Career diplomat Emily Pugin has formally begun her role as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, presenting her letters of credence to President Nikos Christodoulides.
In a statement following the ceremony, Pugin described it as a “profound honour” to serve in Cyprus, highlighting the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.
She noted that Australia is home to the world’s second-largest Cypriot diaspora, whose contribution to Australia’s multicultural fabric continues to underpin strong people-to-people links and a vibrant bilateral relationship.
The new High Commissioner also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a rules-based international order and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. As a First Nations Australian, she reflected that she stands “on the shoulders of my ancestors,” pledging to be a proud representative of Australia and a steadfast friend to Cyprus.
Australia’s historical connection to Cyprus includes its long involvement in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, which was Australia’s longest-running UN peacekeeping mission, lasting 53 years from its establishment in 1964.
Pugin was appointed High Commissioner by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, replacing outgoing High Commissioner Fiona McKergow, who served in the role since 2022.
Pugin brings extensive diplomatic experience to the post, having previously served at the Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna, where she managed Australia’s relationships with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo and Slovakia.
In her new role, she will oversee Australia’s diplomatic representation in Cyprus, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, supporting the Cypriot diaspora and deepening ties between the two nations.
