Dr Andrew Pocock

Dr Andrew Pocock (48) has been appointed British High Commissioner in Dar es Salaam in succession to Mr Richard Clarke, who is retiring from the diplomatic Service. Dr Pocock took up his new appointment in November. He first entered the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1981 and since then has held diplomatic posts in Lagos, Washington and Canberra; he has been Head of the Southern Africa Department of the Foreign Office since 2001.

Dr Pocock presented his credentials to President Mkapa at the State House on November 8. He was reported in the press to have said that his Government was satisfied with the various economic and political developments initiated and implemented by the Third Phase government which were ingredients for stability. He added that Tanzania, being one of the most peaceful countries in the world with abundant natural resources and investment attraction, had every opportunity for development. On his part, President Mkapa thanked the British Government for its support to various development activities in the country. He said that the brotherly relationship between the United Kingdom and Tanzania, based on trust and openness, was commendable. The President said that the United Kingdom was the first country to support Tanzania during the economic transition, which he started implementing after becoming head of state. The President praised the British government for being the first country to resume aid to Zanzibar immediately after the accord (Muafaka) between CCM and CUF.