STORY
The UK government has announced the appointment of Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan. She will succeed Ms Kathy Leach, who is transferring to another diplomatic role, and is set to assume her new position in August 2025.
Mrs Axworthy brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the role, having served in various capacities within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Her recent roles include Head of the Negotiations and Peace Processes Department in the Office for Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation from 2021 to 2024, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See from 2016 to 2021.
In preparation for her new assignment, Mrs Axworthy has been engaged in full-time Kazakh language training since 2024. Her extensive career also includes postings in India, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as leadership roles focusing on regions such as North Africa, East Africa, and the United Nations. Her appointment is anticipated to further strengthen the UK-Kazakhstan relationship, encompassing areas such as trade, diplomacy, and regional cooperation.