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BRUSSELS (dawatmedia24)– In a move underscoring its sustained focus on Central Asia, the European Union has appointed French diplomat Gilles Bertrand as its new Special Envoy for Afghanistan. The appointment, confirmed by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on Thursday, signals Brussels’ determination to maintain a coordinated international approach to the complex challenges facing the country under Taliban rule.
Bertrand, a seasoned diplomat with over two decades of experience within EU structures, succeeds Tomas Niklasson, who served as the special envoy in recent critical years following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
A Diplomat with Deep Regional Expertise
Born in Marseille, Bertrand brings a wealth of relevant experience to one of the EU’s most demanding diplomatic posts. His qualifications extend beyond academic training in business management and political science. He possesses direct, on-the-ground knowledge of Afghanistan, having previously worked with the EU delegation in Kabul. This experience provided him with a firsthand understanding of the country’s political landscape, humanitarian needs, and security challenges.
“Mr. Bertrand’s extensive background in EU external action, particularly in complex crisis zones, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” an EU spokesperson stated. “His appointment reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan.”
A Portfolio Forged in Crisis Management
Bertrand’s recent roles have prepared him for the intricate diplomacy required in Afghanistan. Most recently serving as the EU Ambassador to Colombia, he navigated a post-conflict environment following the peace agreement with FARC rebels. Prior to that, he was instrumental in managing the EU’s response to the Syrian crisis, where he coordinated high-level Brussels conferences on Syria and led the EU delegation on Syria from Beirut.
This background in coordinating international aid and engaging with regional stakeholders is seen as a critical asset. The Afghanistan portfolio requires not only dialogue with de facto authorities in Kabul but also delicate engagement with neighboring countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian states to address issues of terrorism, migration, and regional stability.
The EU’s Strategic Objectives in Afghanistan
The appointment comes at a pivotal time. While the EU does not recognize the Taliban government, it remains one of the largest providers of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. The bloc faces a difficult balancing act: alleviating a severe humanitaria n crisis that threatens millions of Afghans, while upholding fundamental principles of human rights, particularly for women and girls whose access to work and education has been drastically curtailed.
Analysts suggest Bertrand’s key challenges will include:
Coordinating the EU Position: Ensuring a unified stance among the 27 member states on engagement with the Taliban.
Linking Aid to Principles: Navigating the conditional provision of humanitarian and development assistance to promote human rights.
Regional Diplomacy: Working with regional powers to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorist groups and to manage regional security concerns.
By selecting a diplomat with Bertrand’s specific crisis-management and regional experience, the European Union aims to reinforce its role as a key player in shaping the international community’s ongoing, and deeply challenging, dialogue on Afghanistan’s future.
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