NATO Appoints Envoy for Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel

NATO today appointed a special representative for the defence alliance's "southern neighbourhood," meaning the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel. The new envoy is Javier Colomina, who previously served as NATO's special representative in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Instability in the southern and eastern Mediterranean poses a security challenge for NATO members in Europe in part by fuelling irregular migration to the bloc. NATO member Spain also has some territory in North Africa, particularly the cities of Melilla and Ceuta. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement: "The Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel regions are important to our Alliance. Javier Colomina has extensive experience in dealing with NATO partners. His appointment will further strengthen NATO's important work in the South.' At a summit in Washington earlier this month (July 2024), NATO leaders agreed on a plan for the region that included the appointment of a special representative. Source: Oman News Ag ency