Ambassador Riffat Masood became Pakistan’s first woman envoy to the Islamic Republic of Iran, after handing over a copy of her credentials to Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Tuesday, says a press release received from Tehran here today. As an experienced diplomat and dedicated officer of the Foreign Service of Pakistan, she has served in several countries, including the UK, USA, France, Turkey, India and Norway. She also has a native command of Farsi. During her tenure in Paris (1998-2001) Ambassador Masood gained experience in multilateral diplomacy as Pakistan’s deputy permanent delegate to UNESCO where she actively promoted and protected Pakistan’s interests in the fields of education, science and culture, particularly its cultural heritage. As Consul General in Los Angeles and Ambassador in Oslo, Riffat Masood focused on uniting the diverse Pakistani diaspora on social and welfare issues while instilling a sense of community identity among them. While posted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs she served in the Europe, USA, South Asia, Policy Planning and Administrative divisions. On deputation to the Prime Minister’s office as head of the Protocol office, Ambassador Masood served two Prime Ministers of Pakistan, the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Mr. Nawaz Sharif from 1995-1998. While discussing Pakistan-Iran relations with Ambassador Masood, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted the cultural, religious, historical affinities and commonalities between the two countries. Foreign Minister Zarif expressed that Iran is looking forward to work closely with the new Government in the coming days. He hoped that Ambassador Masood would contribute positively in furthering bilateral relations between the two countries, and the upward trajectory will get a further boost given her experience in diplomacy and state relations. Given her experience, Ambassador Masood is confident that the close, historical ties between the two countries and the prevailing political will on both sides would provide an impetus to bilateral relations that will augur well for peace and stability in the region. *****
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