WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate approved Fort Smith native, Anne Patterson, as Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs.

“As a Foreign Service officer, Anne has spent her career advancing U.S. interests across the world, including in some of the most volatile regions of the globe. Anne is a highly respected diplomat whose expertise and experience will serve her well in her new role. I am confident that under her leadership she will help promote and protect our national security.”

As Assistance Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, Patterson will oversee U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic relations in the region including Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Israel. Patterson has led a successful career in public service, most recently as U.S. Ambassador to Egypt.