“NATO today announced its intention to appoint Cornelius Zimmermann as its Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan. We congratulate Mr Zimmermann on his new post and wish him every success in the performance of his duties.

Cornelius Zimmermann is a German diplomat whose time as Consul-General in Mazar‑e‑Sharif has left him outstandingly well acquainted with the situation on the ground.

The civilian partnership between NATO and Afghanistan plays a key role in furthering the country’s reconstruction and development. The international community’s engagement at the civilian level is paving the way for the time after the military advisory and training mission Resolute Support comes to an end. In October this year, Germany set out plans to provide support of up to 430 million euros annually for civilian reconstruction, stabilisation and development in Afghanistan.”