Algerian Radio
The Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, General Saïd Chanegriha, Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence, received this Tuesday evening, June 9, 2026, at the headquarters of the People's National Army Staff, the Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Commander of NATO's Joint Force Command, Admiral George Wikoff.
During this meeting, which was attended by general and brigadier officers from the Ministry of National Defence and the People's National Army Staff, along with members of the U.S. military delegation, both parties held talks addressing the status of military cooperation between the two countries. They also exchanged analyses and viewpoints on issues of common interest.
On this occasion, the General delivered a speech in which he initially welcomed the Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and his accompanying delegation, emphasizing that bilateral relations are experiencing a new and rising momentum, which has been materialized through the exchange of high-level delegation visits:
"Bilateral military relations are witnessing a new and rising momentum, particularly following the signing of a memorandum of understanding in the field of military cooperation in January 2025, in line with the will of both countries to build a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and serving common interests.
This momentum has been materialized through the exchange of high-level delegation visits, such as the recent visit to Algeria by the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), which provided an opportunity to exchange views on issues of common interest and contributed to strengthening communication channels on matters of a security and strategic nature."
The General noted in conclusion that Algeria, within the framework of its relentless pursuit to strengthen cooperation relations with various countries, remains deeply attached to the principle of non-alignment, and protective of its independence and sovereign decision-making.
"Finally, I would like to point out that Algeria, within the framework of its relentless pursuit to strengthen cooperation relations with various countries, remains deeply attached to the principle of non-alignment, and protective of its independence and sovereign decision-making.
For the sake of these sacred principles, which we expect our partners to appreciate and respect, Algeria sacrificed, from 1830 until 1962, more than five million six hundred and thirty thousand individuals, including one and a half million martyrs between 1954 and 1962."
For his part, Admiral George Wikoff expressed his satisfaction with visiting Algeria and his continuous aspiration to work on strengthening bilateral and multilateral military cooperation relations, praising the contribution of the People's National Army to achieving maritime security requirements in the Western Mediterranean basin.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties exchanged symbolic gifts.
At the headquarters of the Naval Forces Command, Admiral George Wikoff also held a meeting with Major General Mahfoud Benmeddah, Commander of the Naval Forces. The two parties discussed ways to develop coordination capabilities, joint action, and the exchange of expertise in the field of maritime security, thereby contributing to supporting security and stability in the area of common interest.
