RABAT, Morocco –
Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, met July 21 with Adm. Valentim Alberto Antonio, commander of the Angolan Navy, during the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) to discuss maritime security, naval modernization and continued cooperation in support of regional stability.
The leaders exchanged perspectives on strengthening maritime domain awareness, sustaining an effective operational presence at sea and developing the professional expertise needed to address evolving maritime challenges. They also discussed the importance of integrating information from across the maritime domain into a shared operational picture and applying lessons learned through multinational engagement to strengthen day-to-day maritime operations.
“Angola’s emphasis on building a navy that learns, adapts and applies operational experience reflects an important principle of maritime security,” said Wikoff. “When maritime forces combine professional expertise, a clear understanding of the maritime domain and a persistent presence at sea, they are better prepared to protect their nation’s interests and contribute to regional security.”
Angola has participated in all four African Maritime Forces Summits, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to professional dialogue and regional maritime cooperation. During the meeting, the leaders also discussed the value of professional military education, operational exchanges and multinational exercises in strengthening maritime institutions and building lasting partnerships among African navies and international partners.
“The value of our partnerships is measured not only by the conversations we have, but by what we put into practice afterward,” Wikoff said. “When we exchange ideas, strengthen our professional institutions and apply those lessons in our daily operations, we become more capable maritime forces and stronger partners.”
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 nations and nearly 20 partner nations under the theme, “Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security.”
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring maritime partnership between the United States and Angola and the shared commitment to strengthening maritime security through professional dialogue, operational cooperation and African-led collaboration.
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.