Quinn will be Australia’s new ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands and consul general to the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Marianas.
Like Cox, Quinn is also a career diplomat. He served as political counselor at the Australian Embassy in Seoul, South Korea; first secretary in Jakarta, Indonesia; and third secretary in Bangkok, Thailand.
Quinn, who is a graduate of Sydney University, also worked as foreign policy adviser at the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Center of Excellence.
Australia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement about Quinn’s appointment yesterday.
Cox met with Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo before coming to Saipan yesterday.
She said she discussed with Guam’s new governor Australia’s interests in the region, particularly on the military buildup.
Australia is a close military ally of the U.S.
“It was a productive meeting. We’ve discussed mutual interests, mostly revolving around the Guam buildup,” Cox said, referring to her meeting with Calvo. “We look forward to constructively work with his administration.”
During her meeting with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Cox said they discussed the CNMI government’s challenges because of the now federalized immigration system.
Cox also met with some members of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
She said she wishes the CNMI “prosperity and sustainable development.”
