NATO said on Tuesday it has appointed a special representative for the defence alliance’s “southern neighbourhood,” comprising the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel.

The new envoy is Javier Colomina, who served previously 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, including Melilla and Ceuta.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a statement that “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, NATO leaders agreed on a plan to include the appointment of a special representative.

(Xinhua/NAN)