Olivier Decottignies, a French career diplomat, was recently chosen as the new ambassador to Armenia. He has succeed Anne Louyot, who has led the French diplomatic mission in Armenia since August 2021.
Oliver Decottignies’ Biography, Wiki and Quick Facts
| Full Name | Olivier Decottignies |
|---|---|
| Profession: | French diplomat |
| Current position | Ambassador of France to Armenia |
| Birthdate | 1980s |
| Education | École Normale Supérieure in Lyon, Sciences Po Paris, Paris School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS), Sorbonne University |
| Publications | Iran and the World: A History of a Revolution (2019), The Iranian Nuclear Issue: The View from Beijing (2016), and several articles and papers |
| Nationality | French |
| Ethnicity | Unknown |
| Relation, Family Member: |
Cousin: Caro Canijuna, Family Member: Nikita Ily
|
| Age | In his 40s |
| Net Worth: | $800K as of 2024 |
| Children | Two (a son and a daughter) |
| @O_Decottignies | |
| @olivierdecottignies |
Olivier Decottignies will assume office on July 21, 2023, according to a decree signed by French President Emmanuel Macron on July 6, 2023.
How wealthy is French Diplomat Olivier Decottignies?
Olivier Decottignies, a French career diplomat, was a 2015-2016 diplomat in residence at The Washington Institute. His current net worth would be around $800 K as of 2024. However his salary is not yet available.
Birthday, Education, and Early Life of Olivier Decottignies:
Olivier Decottignies was born in France during the early 1980s. He is in his 40s, although his birth date is unknown. He is married, although neither his wife’s name nor her employment are mentioned. Although he has two children, a son and a daughter, both in their teens.
Decottignies graduated from the Lyon-based École Normale Supérieure, one of France’s most famous and selective higher education schools. He earned a master’s degree in public affairs from Sciences Po Paris, a prestigious university for social sciences and international relations.
Also he holds a master’s degree in history from the Paris School of Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) and a bachelor’s degree in history from Sorbonne University. He speaks English, Persian, and Kurdish, in addition to his native French. Throughout his diplomatic career, he has learned some Arabic and Armenian.
Professional and Diplomatic Careers
Olivier Decottignies began working for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008, after clearing the tough diplomatic admission exam. Since then, he has held a variety of posts and assignments, both in Paris and overseas, addressing a wide range of political, security, and economic concerns.
From 2008 to 2010, he served as a desk officer for the Middle East and North Africa, working with issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iran’s nuclear program, and the Arab Spring.
From 2010 to 2012, he worked as a political-military officer for NATO and EU operations in Libya, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. He also took part in the discussions for the New START pact between the United States and Russia to reduce nuclear armaments.
From 2012 to 2015, he was the second counselor at the French Embassy in Iran, where he oversaw Iran’s nuclear portfolio and regional strategies. He was famous in the negotiations that result in the historic 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), often known as the Iran nuclear deal, between Iran and the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany).
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From 2015 to 2016, he served as a diplomat in residence at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. He did research and analysis on Iran, Iraq, Syria, and the Gulf, and wrote various articles and reports on the subject.
From 2016 to 2019, Olivier Decottignies was the deputy head of mission at the French Embassy in Iraq, where he coordinated French support for the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government in their fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group. He also contributed to increased bilateral collaboration in the areas of security, defense, humanitarian relief, and economic development.
From 2019 until 2021, he was the French consul general in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. He was in charge of providing consular protection and services to French citizens and companies in the region, as well as promoting French culture and language. He also maintained regular touch with Kurdish government and civic society, and he advocated for dialogue and reconciliation between Baghdad and Erbil.
From 2021 to 2023, Olivier Decottignies was the director of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Middle East and North Africa section in Paris. He oversaw French policy and action in the region, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic downturn, and geopolitical concerns. He also oversaw connections with regional and international partners and organizations, including the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United Nations.
Achievements & Awards for Olivier Decottignies:
Olivier Decottignies has received recognition for his diplomatic expertise and diplomacy. He has won various accolades and honors, including the Kurdistan Region’s Order of Merit, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Medal of Honor, and the French Legion of Honor.
He has also faced numerous obstacles and difficulties, including working in hostile and unstable situations, dealing with complicated and sensitive topics, and balancing the interests and values of France and its allies with those of other countries and actors in the region.
One of his most famous accomplishments was his involvement to the Iran nuclear deal, which was hailed as a historic diplomatic triumph and a watershed moment for nonproliferation and regional stability. However, the deal was condemned by certain nations, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, and faced numerous challenges and uncertainties, particularly when the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Another significant obstacle was his role in the Iraqi crisis, which included the rise and demise of ISIS, a humanitarian and security emergency, political and social instability, and tensions and conflicts between the central authority and the Kurdish area. Decottignies played an important part in assisting Iraqi authorities and Kurdish forces in their war against terrorism, as well as increasing communication and coordination between them.
Wife and Kids
Olivier Decottignies is married with two children: a son and a daughter. The names and ages of his children, as well as his wife’s work, are unknown to the public. He is a private individual who does not divulge much information about his personal and family life to the media or the public.
Views and Interests
Olivier Decottignies has voiced his thoughts and aims for his new role as French ambassador to Armenia in a number of interviews and comments. He has stressed the significance and potential of Franco-Armenian relations, which are founded on a long and rich past, a close relationship, and a shared vision for the future.
He has also emphasized the primary priorities and areas of cooperation for his mission, which include:
- Supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic changes while also assisting the country in overcoming the problems posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
- Promoting cultural and educational interactions between France and Armenia, as well as strengthening the role and influence of the French language and Francophonie in the country.
- Strengthening bilateral trade and investment links between France and Armenia, as well as encouraging French companies and entrepreneurs to explore the Armenian market’s chances and potential.
- Fostering dialogue and cooperation between France and Armenia on regional and international issues such as South Caucasus security and stability, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution, human rights and minority protection, and climate change mitigation.
Decottignies has also expressed sympathy and respect for the Armenian people, including their culture and resilience. He has stated that he is excited to discover the country’s landscapes, landmarks, and traditions. He has also stated that he is excited to meet and connect with Armenian politicians, civic society, media, and the general people, as well as hear their perspectives and expectations.