Stefano Pontecorvo, Italy’s former ambassador to Pakistan, has been appointed as NATO’S next senior civilian representative in Afghanistan.
Pontecorvo will take up the new post on June 1, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement.
“He brings a long-standing diplomatic experience, including on Afghanistan and the broad regional context,” Stoltenberg said.
“I look forward to working closely with him in this critical juncture for Afghanistan’s future, where all actors need to come together in the interest of peace and to fight COVID-19 pandemic,” Stoltenberg said.
He thanked Italy for its “continued commitment to strengthening the Afghan security forces so that they can create the conditions for a sustainable peace.”
“NATO Allies and our partner countries remain firmly committed to Afghanistan’s long-term security, which is important for our own security,” Stoltenberg said.
He also thanked outgoing Senior Civilian Representative Nicholas Kay for his “outstanding service, and his contributions to the cause of peace and security for all Afghans.”
