General Joseph L. Votel, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), recently visited Egypt to observe Exercise BRIGHT STAR 2018. The exercise, held at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, involved U.S. military forces alongside the Egyptian Armed Forces. During his visit, General Votel engaged with senior Egyptian leaders to discuss enhancing the strategic security relationship between Egypt and the United States.
"Egypt is one of our most vital partners in the region," General Votel stated. "The BRIGHT STAR 18 exercise promotes our vision of a more stable and prosperous region with increasingly effective governance, improved security, and trans-regional cooperation. CENTCOM sees this expanded joint exercise as vital to securing American and Egyptian interests."
Approximately 800 U.S. military service members are participating in BRIGHT STAR for the second consecutive year since its revival, upon invitation from the Egyptian Armed Forces. This year's focus includes regional security and cooperation, as well as promoting interoperability in irregular warfare scenarios. Participation in this exercise aims to strengthen military-to-military relationships between U.S. and Egyptian forces within the Central Command area of responsibility, along with other participating nations.
The United States continues its commitment to supporting Egypt through diplomatic, economic, social, and security cooperation.