Ms. Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire from December 1-4 to strengthen defense ties and discuss regional security issues. Meetings with high-level officials aim to enhance bilateral relationships and address shared challenges like violent extremism and maritime security.
Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Ms. Amanda Dory, is scheduled to visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire from December 1 to December 4. Her trip will commence in Cotonou, Benin, on December 2, where she will meet with key officials, including Minister of Defense Fortunet Nouatin, Minister of Finance Romuald Wadagni, Minister of Foreign Affairs Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi. The purpose of this engagement is to reaffirm the robust bilateral relationship between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Beninese Ministry of Defense.
On December 3, Ms. Dory will proceed to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where she is set to engage with President Alassane Ouattara. Following this meeting, she will confer with Minister of Defense Téné Ouattara and other senior security officials to discuss regional security matters and examine opportunities for enhancing the defense relationship. Côte d’Ivoire holds significant strategic importance within West Africa.
This visit will facilitate discussions on pressing issues such as violent extremism and maritime security that are of mutual concern to the U.S. and its African partners. It serves as a clear indication of the Department of Defense’s enduring commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at addressing shared challenges and promoting innovative solutions to bolster regional security and stability. Further details will be made available via official announcements.
The U.S. Department of Defense maintains a strong focus on strengthening partnerships with African nations, particularly in the realm of security. The visits by high-ranking officials, such as the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, serve to reinforce these diplomatic and defense ties. Highlighting the significance of countries like Benin and Côte d’Ivoire in the broader West African security landscape, these engagements aim to address not only national security concerns but also to foster collaborative regional solutions against challenges such as terrorism and maritime threats.
In conclusion, Ms. Amanda Dory’s upcoming trip to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire represents a pivotal moment for U.S. defense diplomacy in West Africa. By engaging with key government officials, the Department of Defense seeks to fortify its partnerships in the region and address critical security challenges collaboratively. This visit underscores a commitment to ensuring stability and security in a strategic area of the world.
Original Source: www.miragenews.com
