Britain appoints non-resident Charge d'Affaires to Iran

British Foreign Office announced on Monday it appointed Ajay Sharma, a veteran diplomat and former head of the Foreign Office's Iran department, as its non-resident Charge d'Affaires to Iran.

The British embassy was closed in late 2011 as tensions over a possible attack on Iran's nuclear facilities ran high. Iran too closed its embassy in Britain the same month. However, the two countries diplomatic relations remained intact despite of the closing of the embassies.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced in early October that both countries agreed to appoint a non-resident Charge d'Affaires, described as an important step towards improving bilateral ties.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in a statement, said: "Sharma's appointment will enable the UK to have more detailed and regular discussions with Iran on a range of issues, including conditions under which our embassies could eventually be reopened."

It said Sharma had significant experience of Iran and the region. He will be based in Britain but will travel regularly to Iran.

Sharma is currently the head of the Iran department at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and served previously as deputy head of mission in Tehran.

Sharma said: "I am delighted to take up this appointment at this important time in the UK's relations with Iran. I am very much looking forward to renewing direct contact with the Iranian government and society."

Three-day talks between the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany, and Iran failed to reach an agreement in Geneva on Nov. 9.