NATO appoints representatives for the Middle East and Africa
NATO to Increase Presence in Middle East and Africa. Terror Organizations pose a threat to security there. NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg appoints a Spaniard as Regional Representative - a choice that angers Italy.
NATO strengthens its engagement in the Southern Neighborhood of the Middle East and Africa with a Special Representative. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg selected the Spaniard Javier Colomina for the position, as announced by NATO in Brussels. He was previously deputy secretary-general for security policy and Stoltenberg's special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The strengthening of NATO's engagement in the Middle East and Africa was approved by the heads of state and government of the 32 alliance members at the summit two weeks ago in Washington. The closing statement read that partnerships for security and stability in the region should be fostered, contributing to peace and prosperity.
The new Special Representative is to serve as the central contact person for NATO in the region and coordinate efforts. Activities of terror organizations are seen as the main threat from the region. It was also agreed to strengthen the coordination center in Naples and the NATO regional representation in Kuwait, as well as to open a liaison office in Amman, Jordan's capital.
Italy had also speculated on the position and criticized Stoltenberg's decision sharply. He had "betrayed his principles" and made the decision without consultation with the allies, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto told the newspaper "La Stampa" over the weekend.
NATO's decision to appoint Javier Colomina as its Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa in Brussels extends its presence beyond Europe, particularly in Africa. This appointment, while commending Colomina's previous roles in the Caucasus and Central Asia, has triggered criticism from Italy due to perceived snubbing of their potential candidate. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, in addressing NATO's concerns regarding terror organizations in the Middle East and Africa, also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperative efforts with nations like Italy and Spain.
