Cairo: The US has extended maritime security cooperation to the Egyptian Navy to enhance regional security and interoperability.
The US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Jonathan Greenert, who wrapped up his three-day visit to Alexandria on Monday, reaffirmed the US' commitment to partnering with Egypt on security issues.
During his visit, Greenert met with the Commander in Chief of Egyptian Naval Forces, Rear Admiral Ossama Monier Rabie, and discussed cooperation with the Egyptian Navy on security issues and interoperability, a US embassy said.
While visiting Abu Qir Naval Base, Greenert toured the Fast Missile Craft that the US finished delivering to the Egyptian military on June 17.
The four state-of-the-art vessels, representing a USD 1.1 billion investment by the US in the bilateral strategic partnership, will provide an enhanced capability to patrol and protect Egyptian and international maritime interests.
"I am in Egypt to build a stronger relationship with my counterpart Rear Admiral Ossama," said Greenert.
"I was honoured to meet him and his staff today and visit several Egyptian Navy ships in Alexandria," he said, adding these visits provided valuable insight into the operations and focus of the Egyptian Navy, said Greenert.
He added that he looked forward to furthering the discussion on ways the US and Egyptian navies could work better together in the future.
Preceding his tour of the Fast Missile Craft, Admiral Greenert toured one of the four ex-Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates transferred by the US to the Egyptian Navy in the late 1990s.
