RABAT, Morocco –
Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa, met July 21 with senior Libyan maritime leaders during the fourth annual Africa Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS), reinforcing the value of professional military dialogue and maritime cooperation in addressing shared regional security challenges.
The bilateral engagement included Vice Adm. Mohamed Nureddin Elbuni, chief of naval forces for Libya’s Government of National Unity; Rear Adm. Abdelhafih Mohamed Hassan Alareibi, deputy chief of naval staff for the Libyan National Army; and Rear Adm. Ridha Abdulla Ali Issa, Head of Coast Guard and Port Security Authority, highlighting the value of professional military dialogue among Libya’s senior maritime leadership. The meeting took place as part of AMFS, an African-led forum that convenes maritime leaders from across the continent and partner nations to strengthen maritime security through collaboration, professional exchange and African-led solutions.
During the discussion, the leaders exchanged perspectives on regional maritime security, the challenges of safeguarding Libya’s extensive coastline and the importance of continued professional engagement among African maritime forces. They also discussed shared efforts to counter illicit trafficking, illegal fishing and other transnational maritime threats that affect security and prosperity across the region.
“Libya’s maritime professionals are responsible for securing a vast coastline against a wide range of challenges, from illicit trafficking to conducting lifesaving operations at sea,” said Wikoff. “Their commitment to that mission reinforces why forums like AMFS matter. By sharing operational experience and strengthening professional relationships, we become better partners in promoting maritime security across the region.”
The bilateral engagement reflected the role of AMFS in fostering relationships among African maritime leaders, providing opportunities to exchange operational perspectives, build trust and identify areas of mutual interest that support long-term regional cooperation.
“Maritime security is a shared responsibility,” Wikoff said. “The relationships strengthened through continued engagement help us better understand one another’s operating environments and improve our collective ability to promote a safe, secure and prosperous maritime domain.”
Co-hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, AMFS brought together representatives from more than 40 African and partner nations under the theme, “Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.”
Now in its fourth year of participation, Libya’s continued engagement at AMFS reflects the enduring value of professional military relationships in strengthening maritime security and regional stability.
For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa has 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.