Potzel named as UN’s new deputy rep to Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): German diplomat Markus Potzel has been appointed as the UN’s new deputy representative to Afghanistan.

Potzel would also be in charge of the UN Afghanistan Mission (UNAMA), the world body’s deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

A career diplomat, Potzel served as Germany’s ambassador to Afghanistan from 2014 to 2016. He succeeds Mette Knudsen of Denmark.

Mr. Potzel brings to the position more than 27 years of professional experience in diplomacy and international cooperation, including eight years of professional experience working in and on Afghanistan.

He has held several senior positions with the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs, including as German Special Representative for Afghanistan (2017-2021)

Potzel holds a master’s degree in Persian and English language and literature studies from the Humboldt University Berlin and the University of Dushanbe in Tajikistan.

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