EU appoints Belgian diplomat new special envoy to Afghanistan

BRUSSELS, June 21 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative Federica Mogherini announced Wednesday the appointment of Belgian diplomat Roland Kobia as the Special Envoy of the European Union (EU) to Afghanistan. The Special Envoy's main task will be to advance the EU's contribution to delivering lasting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and in the region, said Mogherini in a statement. "Roland Kobia has a long-standing experience of peace and reconciliation processes in Asia and Africa. With his appointment, the European Union confirms its commitment to cooperate with our Afghan friends to bring peace to the country," she added.
Kobia is currently Head of the EU Delegation to Myanmar.
The new Special Envoy will work in close cooperation with the recently nominated Head of the EU Delegation in Afghanistan Mr Pierre, Mayaudon, noted the statement.
Kobia will take up his new role on 1 September 2017. Mogherini thanked the current EU Special Representative, Franz-Michael Mellbin, "for his outstanding contribution and tireless work in support of stability, peace and reform efforts in Afghanistan over the past four years". (end) nk.msa