USCENTCOM Commander Meets Senior Leaders from Six Countries During Middle East Visit

Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla conducted a series of high-level engagements with several leaders and servicemembers in Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Yemen during a five-day trip through the Middle East, April 1-5.

From April 1-2, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Israel and met with the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, other key IDF staff, and leaders from multiple Israeli National Security Organizations. Gen. Kurilla, Lt. Gen. Zamir, and the other leaders discussed a range of strategic security issues across the region. Gen. Kurilla also discussed continued efforts to deepen the military partnership between the United States and Israel and increase interoperability between our forces. Gen. Kurilla reiterated the ironclad military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Israel.

From April 2-3, Gen. Kurilla visited Jordan and met with Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-H'naity, Chairman of the Jordan Joint Chiefs of Staff and Royal Jordanian Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Hiyassat. Gen. Kurilla, Maj. Gen. H'naity, and the other leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the region, deepening the bilateral defense relationship between the U.S. and Jordan, and further expanding the military-to-military relationship with the JAF, which continues to serve as a steadfast and reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.

On April 3, Gen. Kurilla visited leaders in Qatar and UAE. While in Qatar, Gen. Kurilla met with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Jassim Al Mannai, and discussed regional security issues and continued opportunities to increase interoperability. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Al Mannai reiterated their commitment to enhancing military-to-military partnership between the U.S.-Qatar. Qatar has been a capable and willing partner in the region for more than five decades.

While in the UAE, Gen. Kurilla met with Emirati National Security Advisor Sheik Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Gen. Kurilla and Sheik Al Nahyan discussed current security challenges in the region and agreed to continue deepening the U.S. security partnership and cooperation and with UAE, which is recognized as one of only two Major Defense Partners of the United States.

From April 3-5, Gen. Kurilla visited Saudi Arabia and met with our Saudi and Yemeni partners, including Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwayli, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces, and his key staff. Gen. Kurilla, Gen. Al-Ruwayli, and the other leaders discussed shared security concerns, the importance of joint readiness and interoperability, and their mutual commitment to addressing regional threats.

Gen. Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces, who traveled from Yemen for the meeting. Gen. Kurilla and Lt. Gen. Aziz discussed ongoing efforts against the Iran-backed Houthis, including the current operation designed to restore freedom of navigation.

At every stop, Gen. Kurilla met with and thanked U.S. military commanders and servicemembers for their continued dedication, professionalism, and competence in combatting threats and advancing regional security and stability.

"These engagements with our partners and servicemembers are invaluable. They further enhance the trusted relationships we've built with our partners in the region over decades. Working with our partners moves us further toward enhancing deterrence through building interoperable capabilities throughout the region," said Gen. Kurilla.

-30-