On Tuesday, (23 July 2024), Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced the appointment of a Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Javier Colomina. He is the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy and has served as the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Mr Stoltenberg welcomed the appointment: "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."
As the Special Representative for the southern neighbourhood, Mr Colomina will serve as NATO's focal point for the region. He will be responsible for coordinating and enhancing the visibility of NATO's efforts in the south and will strengthen engagement with partners.
At the Washington Summit, Allies agreed on an action plan that will increase NATO's engagement in the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel regions. The appointment of the Special Representative is part of this plan.
