Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-A) and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, departed Algiers, Algeria, March 7, 2019 after completing two days of scheduled engagements with senior Algerian officials.
The visit, in conjunction with a visit to the capital city by an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was held as a way to enhance military-to-military relations between the two countries. The meetings underscore the importance of the longstanding Algero-American relationship and demonstrate cooperation on mutual security interests.
Like the United States, Algeria is a maritime nation with much of its population centered in coastal cities. A safe and secure Mediterranean is a mutual interest; working together on issues such as search and rescue, countering illicit trafficking, and maritime domain awareness to ensure maritime security and stability is a priority.
“Algeria and the United States have an enduring and multifaceted partnership,” said Foggo during a reception held aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75). “Today, the longstanding friendship between our two countries is on display.”
Donald Cook conducted a regularly scheduled port visit to Algiers to strengthen the enduring partnership between the United States and Algeria, and allow Sailors the opportunity to experience the culture of Algeria.
“The one thing that is constant in the relationship that we have with our partners and allies is the military-to-military brotherhood and sisterhood that we establish with our friends,” said Foggo.
Foggo met with Algerian Maj. Gen. Mohamed Larbi Haouli, commander, Algerian Naval Forces, and Algerian Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Noureddine Ayadi to discuss the importance of continuing to expand security and military partnerships.
Foggo and Haouli met last year at the International Seapower Symposium (ISS) hosted in Newport, Rhode Island. While at ISS, Foggo invited Haouli to send a naval officer to participate in the Africa Commanders Maritime Force Component Commander Course hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa in Naples. Algeria sent a senior naval officer to attend the course.
“Our efforts with the armed forces of Algeria demonstrate that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder on matters of shared security interests,” said Foggo. “Furthermore, U.S. Navy presence in the port of Algiers and my visit demonstrates our commitment to regional stability and maritime security in this vital region of the world.”
As Foggo departed Algiers, Donald Cook conducted at sea maritime exercise with the Adhafer-class corvette ANS El Faith (921). This was the second U.S. Navy port visit to Algiers and bilateral navy exercise in less than two years. The exercise highlights the strategic significance the maritime domain is to both the U.S. and Algeria, as well as North Africa and Mediterranean allies and partners.
“Going forward, we will work to find more opportunities to train together and increase our interoperability, just like the maritime exercise Donald Cook will conduct today with El Faith,” said Foggo. “Our countries have a rich bond and a sustained friendship, and we look forward to finding more ways to strengthen our relationship.”
CNE-A continues to work with our allies and partners to support the collective progress of African coastal countries in building their security and law enforcement institutions. CNE-A, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa.
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