STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), traveled to Tunisia, September 19, to further cooperation between the United States and Tunisia. During his visit, Langley met with the Minister of National Defense Imed Memmich and Tunisian military service chiefs to discuss a range of regional security issues of interest to both nations. He also met with U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood and U.S. service members, who he thanked for their service.
U.S.-Tunisian military partnerships have grown tremendously in the past decade as Tunisia has transitioned to become a regional provider of security expertise, including through its support for UN peacekeeping operations. The recent 35th U.S.-Tunisia Joint Military Commission and our cooperation on Phoenix Express and African Lion military exercises reaffirm our longstanding defense partnership. "The United States places great importance on its diplomatic ties with the Tunisian government, recognizing Tunisia as a pivotal force in the advancement of regional security, with particular emphasis on maritime and peacekeeping endeavors," said General Langley.
He added, “Security, stability, and economic prosperity in North Africa are interests shared by the United States and the Tunisian government and international partners. We are stronger when we work toward these goals together.”
Commenting on his engagements with Minister Memmich and others, Langley said, “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Defense and senior defense officials to review our cooperation and discuss ways to adapt it to current and future challenges.”
U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.
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