Wellington, 30 October 2021 (TDI): New Zealand has deployed special representative to Afghanistan to help evacuation of stranded citizens in Kabul. The country’s Foreign Minister made the announcement.
Earlier, New Zealand’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta hinted to put in charge a special representative to Afghanistan and Middle East.
Mathew Hawkins will serve as New Zealand’s representative in Afghanistan, helping his country fellows in Kabul to exit the war torn country.
The Minister announced the deployment through her twitter handle, stating she is very pleased to inform about deployment.
Pleased to announce Matthew Hawkins, Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar, as NZ Special Representative for Afghanistan. He was in Doha this week to continue helping NZ citizens and visa-holders to exit Afghanistan. 🇳🇿 🇦🇫 #whakahokingamai @NZinUAE
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) October 29, 2021
Ambassador Hawkins was previously Ambassador to the UAE and Qatar; prior to the current assignation in South Asia. Recently, the New Zealand allowed 140 Afghan interpreters and their families to resettle in the country.
Afghanistan fell to Taliban on August 15, when US withdrew its troops. Later, some foreign troops and those who helped them in the 20 Years War; were stranded in Kabul, awaiting evacuation.
