The multilateral naval exercise Phoenix Express21 organised in Tunisia from May 16 to 28 ended Friday at the National Mapping and Remote Sensing Center (CNCT).
The closing ceremony of this naval exercise was attended by Minister of National Defense Brahim Bertégi, US Ambassador in Tunis, Donald Blome and participating army representatives, said a statement of the Ministry of Defense.
Presiding over the closing of these naval exercises, Brahim Bertégi said that Tunisia’s hosting of these military drills is part of the importance it attaches to maritime security and stability in the Mediterranean.
He also stressed the importance of taking part in these exercices which reflect the operational capabilities of the naval forces and are an opportunity to share military expertise between the participating countries.
Brahim Bertégi concluded by expressing Tunisia’s readiness to meet all the necessary conditions to host the next edition of this exercise as well as all joint activities with its partners on the basis of trust and mutual respect.
For his part, the US ambassador welcomed the privileged partnership between Tunisia and the United States in the field of maritime security.
Meeting security challenges requires joint actions, he added, because no country can alone fight against terrorism, smuggling and irregular migration.
Tunisia’s hosting of these naval manoeuvres, he stressed, is a sign of its leadership in regional military cooperation.
Organised in partnership with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), the Phoenix Express 21 naval exercises aim to strengthen the operational capabilities of participating navies in the fight against illegal maritime activities.
The naval training exercises took place at the naval bases of Bizerte and La Goulette as well as on the northern coast of the country, with the participation of naval forces from eleven countries.
Tunis Afrique Presse