TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Australia�s foreign minister appointed Ian Biggs, a senior career officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as the country�s new ambassador to Iran.

In a media release on her website, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop announced the appointment of Mr. Biggs as the next ambassador to Tehran.

�Australia values its longstanding relationship with Iran and we have maintained an Embassy in Tehran since 1968,� she noted.

�In 2014-15 total two-way trade with Iran was valued at more than $354 million. We look forward to enhancing commercial opportunities following implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal and the lifting of most international sanctions on Iran,� the minister added.

�Australia has significant reasons for engaging Iran on issues of shared interest and concern, including the fight against terrorism in Syria and Iraq, as well as the common challenges of people smuggling and illegal migration,� Bishop explained.

According to the media release, the incoming ambassador is a senior career officer of Australia�s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Until recently, Biggs was Acting First Assistant Secretary of International Security Division. He has served overseas as Ambassador to Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, Charg� d�Affaires in Baghdad, and Deputy Head of Mission in Vienna and Damascus.

By Tasnim News Agency