Egypt joins Gulf region’s Combined Maritime Forces led by US
Egypt's participation in the task force comes as Russia seeks closer defense ties with Cairo and Sudan.
Egypt became the 34th member of the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) on Wednesday, marking the latest regional contribution to the multinational security and counterterrorism coalition.
The US Navy’s 5th Fleet commander, Vice Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr., welcomed Egypt’s contribution during a meeting with the commander of Egypt’s navy, Vice Adm. Ahmed Khaled, at Alexandria’s Ras el-Tin naval base earlier this week.
“Egypt is an important partner in ensuring stability in the region, and we are honored to welcome Egypt’s partnership in our mission focused on making the region and world a safer place,” said Paparo, who also commands the CMF and US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) naval forces.
Though neither side specified what specific support Egypt would offer to the force, Khaled praised the opportunity for new cooperation on joint maritime security operations, cybersecurity and training.
