ALGIERS, Algeria –
Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF), visited Algiers on June 9, 2026, to engage with senior Algerian defense and naval leadership, as well as U.S. diplomatic representatives. The visit underscored the strong shared security interests between the United States and Algeria, highlighting opportunities to expand maritime collaboration in the region.
During his visit, Adm. Wikoff held key bilateral discussions with General Saïd Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, and Major General Mahfoud Benmeddah, Commander of the Algerian Naval Forces. Additionally, he met with Mark A. Schapiro, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, to reinforce the unified U.S. approach to security and diplomacy in North Africa. Their collective conversations focused on shared security interests in the Mediterranean and improving interoperability.
“Our relationship with Algeria is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared commitment to regional stability,” said Wikoff. “Algeria is a highly capable and professional security leader in North Africa and the Sahel. Our shared values and mutual collective interests are the foundation of our cooperation and critical to enhanced security and prosperity for our nations and the region.”
The leaders discussed the positive impact of the U.S.-Algeria Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025, which has provided a framework for more structured and sustained bilateral engagement and increased military sales. They also explored future opportunities for cooperation, including continued participation in multilateral exercises like Phoenix Express, more frequent port calls by U.S. Navy vessels, and expanding technical exchanges on emerging maritime capabilities such as robotics and autonomous systems.
Phoenix Express is an annual NAVAF-coordinated multinational maritime exercise designed to strengthen combined warfighting readiness and lethality in maritime security operations by improving regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and maritime interdiction expertise.
"Security, stability, and innovation are the cornerstones of long-term opportunity and prosperity," said Wikoff. "Our role as naval forces is to reinforce those conditions through professionalism, readiness, and reliable partnership. The continued expansion of our cooperation with Algeria is central to ensuring a safe and stable maritime environment for all."
Wikoff’s visit coincided with the U.S. Embassy in Algiers’ “Freedom 250” event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The event highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the United States and Algeria, which dates to the Treaty of Peace and Amity signed in 1795.
“Admiral Wikoff’s visit—coinciding with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States—underscores the importance and value of the bilateral relationship which encompasses mutual pursuit of security and prosperity,” said Schapiro. “Two hundred and thirty-one years after the first Treaty of Amity and Friendship, our bilateral relationship is only growing stronger. The horizon is limitless.”
Reinforcing the vision of strengthening the bilateral bond, Wikoff emphasized the shared historical values that underpin the relationship.
“Celebrating this historic milestone in a country with its own history of sovereignty and national dignity is especially meaningful,” Wikoff noted. “It’s an opportunity to not only celebrate our shared journey of independence but also to reaffirm our commitment to a respectful partnership that advances peace and self-determination.”
For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa have forged strategic relationships to preserve stability and advance common security interests. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.