NATO appoints first Middle East envoy for the first time
NATO appoints first Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa - Javier Colomina to take the role
"The Middle East, North Africa, and the Sahel region are important for our Alliance," stated Stoltenberg. Colomina brings "extensive experience in dealing with NATO partners." His appointment will further strengthen the important work of the transatlantic alliance in the South.
At the NATO Summit in Washington in early July, the 32 Heads of State and Government delegated Stoltenberg to appoint the new Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood. He is to serve as "a central point of contact for the NATO in the region and coordinate NATO efforts," according to the summit communique.
Colomina will collaborate with the new NATO Liaison Office in Amman from Brussels. NATO announced the establishment of its first base in the Middle East in coordination with Jordan last week. The NATO as an organization has not been directly involved in the Middle East conflict so far. Major members like the US and Germany have been mediating in the Gaza conflict and simultaneously supplying weapons to Israel.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had already expressed his indignation over the planned appointment of a Spaniard in the newspaper "La Stampa" over the weekend. Stoltenberg had "betrayed his principles" and made the decision without consultation with the allies, Crosetto criticized. The Italian government had particularly advocated for the Special Representative for the South.
Colomina was previously one of Stoltenberg's deputies for political affairs and security policy. He was also the Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Colomina, in his new role as NATO's Special Envoy, will work closely with the NATO Liaison Office in Amman, which was recently established in coordination with Jordan. As a German Diplomat with extensive experience in dealing with NATO partners, Colomina's appointment as the Nato-representative for the Middle East and Africa is expected to further strengthen NATO's presence and efforts in the region.
