RABAT, Morocco –
Adm. George Wikoff, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, met July 21 with Contre-Admiral Hilary Ade Nkwenti, deputy chief of staff of the Cameroon Navy, during the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) to discuss maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, regional cooperation and shared maritime priorities.
Cameroon has participated in all four African Maritime Forces Summits, reflecting its sustained commitment to regional maritime cooperation. During the discussion, the leaders exchanged perspectives on the evolving maritime environment in the Gulf of Guinea and opportunities to strengthen coordination in support of regional security and stability.
The Gulf of Guinea remains one of Africa's most strategically important maritime regions, where cooperation among regional maritime forces is essential to addressing challenges such as piracy, illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The leaders discussed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue among maritime professionals and ensuring cooperation remains aligned with regional priorities.
"Strong maritime partnerships are built through consistent engagement and an understanding of one another's priorities," said Wikoff. "Cameroon continues to play an important role in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and discussions like these help ensure our cooperation remains focused on the challenges that matter most to the region."
The leaders also emphasized the value of the African Maritime Forces Summit as a forum for maritime professionals to exchange regional perspectives, strengthen professional relationships and identify practical approaches to shared maritime challenges. The discussion reflected a mutual commitment to advancing African-led maritime security through sustained cooperation and dialogue.
"The African Maritime Forces Summit brings together maritime leaders who face many of the same challenges from different operational perspectives," Wikoff said. "Those conversations help identify practical opportunities to strengthen cooperation and contribute to maritime security across the continent."
Co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, the African Maritime Forces Summit brought together representatives from more than 40 African and partner nations under the theme, "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security."