Nov. 25, 2024
Release Number 20241125-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, Fla. – Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla completed a series of high-level meetings with several key leaders in six Middle East nations, during a seven-day trip through the region, Nov. 16-22.
Gen. Kurilla met with senior military and government officials in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Israel to reaffirm U.S. commitment to regional stability, bolster military-to-military partnerships, and discuss actions required to address current security challenges.
From Nov. 16-18, Gen. Kurilla hosted the CENTCOM Commander’s Conference (CCC) at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Leaders from CENTCOM component and subordinate commands, the interagency, and the Joint Staff discussed the current state of security in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), opportunities to strengthen security cooperation, and efforts to counter violent extremist organizations (VEOs), such as ISIS and Iranian-backed Houthis.
After the CCC, Nov. 18, Gen. Kurilla met, separately, with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheik Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani and Chief of Staff Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant General Jassim Mohammad al Mannai, both of whom are new in their respective positions. The leaders discussed the security situation in the region, their mutual commitment to regional stability, and expanding interoperability and cooperation, such as additional mil-to-mil exchanges and exercises. Qatar is an important strategic U.S. partner, and CENTCOM is firmly committed to building on the strong relationship and shared commitment to regional security.
From Nov. 18-19, Gen. Kurilla visited Bahrain and met with the National Security Advisor, Sheikh Nasser bin Hammad Al Khalifah, as well as Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), and members of the BDF staff, where they discussed strengthening cooperation between the U.S. and Bahrain. Gen. Kurilla also emphasized that Bahrain is a vital partner and agreed to continue enhancing interoperability of U.S.-Bahrain forces, which supports readiness and deterrence. Sheikh Nasser and Gen. Kurilla spoke about the many possibilities that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in September 2023 between the United States and Bahrain, can bring to the Kingdom. They also agreed on the importance of a strong and prosperous Bahrain for the benefit of the entire region.
On Nov. 19-20, Gen. Kurilla visited the UAE and met with Emirati National Security Advisor Sheik Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emirati Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Issa Sayf Al-Mazrouei. The leaders discussed challenges in the region, including the malign and reckless activities by the Houthis, and building on opportunities such as UAE’s strategic relationship with partners throughout the region. Both sides agreed to continue deepening the U.S. security partnership and cooperation with UAE, which was recognized as one of only two Major Defense Partners of the United States.
On Nov. 20-21, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwayli, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and his key staff. The focus of the visit was focused on gaining the Saudi perspective on the regional situation and proposed ways ahead. The leaders discussed the regional security challenges and opportunities to reduce and reset tensions in the region. While in Saudia Arabia, Gen. Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, the Chief of Staff of the of the Yemini Armed Forces, who traveled from Yemen for the visit. The leaders discussed insights into the Iranian-backed Houthis and increased efforts to combat Houthi attacks against on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb.
On Nov. 21-22, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Jordan and met with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-H’naity, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff. The leaders discussed building on the long history of cooperation between the two countries, which established diplomatic ties in 1949. The leaders also discussed efforts to enhance regional cooperation and further strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces, which continues to serve as a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.
On Nov. 22, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Israel and met with Israeli Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, the IDF Northern Commander, and other key IDF staff to discuss strategic security issues, preparedness against regional threats, Gaza, and efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Gen. Kurilla also reiterated the ironclad military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Israel, before departing the region.
“In these challenging times, it is vital to maintain strong and effective relationships with our partners in the region to safeguard stability and counter malign influence," said Gen. Kurilla. “Only by sitting down with our partners and seeing the region through their eyes can we truly understand the complexity and nuance that define this critical part of the world. The human connections we forge and the cultural context we gain all contribute to a deeper understanding that can't be achieved through maps, reports, or briefings alone.”