EU appoints Gilles Bertrand as new Special Envoy for Afghanistan

The European Union has appointed French diplomat Gilles Bertrand as its Special Envoy for Afghanistan.

The EU office in the country said the envoy’s role will be crucial in strengthening ties with Afghans and international partners at this critical time for the country.

Born in Marseille, France, Bertrand has more than 20 years of experience in EU political and diplomatic structures.

His most recent position was the EU Embassy in Colombia from 2021.

He previously served as Head of the EU Political Delegation in Kabul from 2003 to 2004 and is familiar with the political and security challenges of Afghanistan.

Bertrand succeeds Lithuanian diplomat Tomas Niklassons.

The appointment marks Brussels’ continued support for humanitarian and regional cooperation with Afghanistan and is expected to help advance the country’s future international dialogue.