Gen. Kurilla Bolsters Regional Alliances in Middle East Tour

FP Report

WASHINGTON DC: From January 29 to February 1, General Michael Erik Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, embarked on a diplomatic tour spanning the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain, fostering crucial alliances in a region rife with geopolitical complexities. In Jordan, discussions centered on border security and the prevailing regional security landscape, as General Kurilla engaged with Major General Youssef Alhnaity, Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other key figures. The dialogue underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts in navigating the intricate challenges facing the region.

In Saudi Arabia, General Kurilla conferred with General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwail, Royal Saudi Chief of General Staff, and senior military officials, addressing mutual concerns regarding recent Houthi activities in the Red Sea. Emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation among an expanded network of security partners, the discussions aimed to chart a course for collective action in confronting shared security threats. Subsequently, in Bahrain, talks centered on the implementation of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, underscoring the pivotal role of Bahrain in multinational efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. General Kurilla’s presence at the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command change of command ceremony further reaffirmed the enduring commitment to regional security and cooperation among allied nations.