Berlin - The German Foreign Ministry on Monday nominated a special envoy to Afghanistan as part of renewed international efforts to achieve peace in the region.

Bernd Muetzelburg, Germany's ambassador to India, is to be the prime contact person for the international community, a role which involves close cooperation with the new US envoy to the region, Richard Holbrooke.

A spokesman for Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed Monday the appointment of Muetzelburg, saying he "brings a lot of experience to the post."