US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and former ambassador Richard G Olson retired after three decades of dedicated service to the country.
Olson was a career member of the Senior Foreign Office Service which had been on the forefront of US work in the Middle East, Africa and most recently in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Olson on his retirement and described him as quite simple but one of the most distinguished diplomats.
Kerry said Olson had brought extraordinary experience and leadership to the job of Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. “He has played an invaluable role in consolidating the progress Afghanistan has made over the past 15 years, including the pursuit of an Afghan-led reconciliation process,” he added.
Olson’s commitment to fostering a strong and productive relationship with Pakistan has been a testament to his unwavering diplomatic service.
In over 34 years of distinguished service, Olson has served as US ambassador to both the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Coordinating Director for Development and Economic Affairs at US Embassy Kabul, and has held positions in Mexico, Uganda, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Iraq, NATO, as well as a number of leadership positions here in Washington.
