Germany names special envoy for Pakistan

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says he has appointed a special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to intensify Germany's engagement in the region.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says he has appointed a special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan in an effort to intensify Germany's engagement in the region. Steinmeier's office said on Monday that besides intensifying diplomatic relations with Pakistan and Afghanistan, Bernd Muetzelburg will serve as a high-ranking contact for the international community.

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Muetzelburg is currently Germany's ambassador to India. The move follows President Barack Obama's decision to appoint Richard Holbrooke as the US special envoy to the two countries. Germany has played a leading role in the international peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan and has some 3,500 troops in the country.