Gérard Araud, 61, a career diplomat, became ambassador of France to the United States on Sept. 18, 2014.

He previously held numerous positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, notably including director for strategic affairs, security and disarmament (2000-03), ambassador of France to Israel (2003-06), director-general for political affairs and security (2006-09) and, most recently, permanent representative of France to the United Nations in New York (2009-14).

Over the course of his career, Ambassador Araud has developed specialist knowledge in two key areas: the Middle East and strategic and security issues. As regards the latter, he was the French negotiator on the Iranian nuclear issue from 2003 to 2006. In New York, at the Security Council, he notably contributed to the adoption of resolutions on Libya (1970 and 1973), Côte d’Ivoire (1975), the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and the Central African Republic, and he participated in debates on the Syrian and Ukrainian crises.

He has written numerous journal articles, including an article recently published in the journal Commentaire on the outbreak of World War I, as well as an article in the journal Esprit on the search for a new world order.

Contact Information

Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road, NW
Washington, DC 20007

Phone: (202) 944-6000
Fax: (202) 944-6166

Website: http://www.info-france-usa.org