NAPLES, Italy - A J9 / Military Partnerships Branch team traveled to Algiers on December 12, 2018 to conduct its annual Expert Staff Meeting (ESM). These meetings are jointly organized by the Branch in charge of the military partnership and each partner country to strengthen ties with NATO, maintain confidence and cohesion, and plan bilateral military activities.
Algeria is the largest country in Africa. Like all the other Mediterranean Dialogue2 countries, Algeria is a sovereign country. The military authorities of the National Popular Army of Algeria (NPA) explored what is done "better" and out of their region to improve knowledge, procedures and methods of engagement. The NPA is developing openly bilateral agreements with other nations such as Russia, China, the US and several European countries.
The J9/MPB Branch Head, the Country Desk Officer in charge of Algeria of JFC Naples, and two officers from LANDCOM met with Brigadier General Bakhouche (Deputy Head of the Military Committee) and the NPA representatives on December 12, 2018. During this meeting, the NPA representatives collaborated with NATO and showed what they are capable of in the field.
The 2018 assessment of the military partnership activities is progressing (5 MTTs, more than 40 training activities for nearly 250 NPA representatives and participation in several exercises). The plan for 2019/2020 MILCOOP has been drafted with the same ambitions.
Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office