VICENZA, Italy — Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the U.S. Army Europe and Africa commanding general, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander and USAREUR-AF deputy commanding general, conducted an official visit to Tunis, Tunisia, Feb. 24-25 to meet with U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome and Tunisian partners to reaffirm USAREUR-AF’s and SETAF-Africa’s commitment to security cooperation in North Africa.
The visit provided an opportunity for Cavoli and Rohling to meet with Brig. Gen. Mohamed El Ghoul, the Tunisian Land Forces Army chief of staff, to discuss mutual security cooperation initiatives, including plans for upcoming exercise African Lion 2021, scheduled to be held June 7-18. African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise on the African continent and bridges the gap between Europe and Africa, developing access and setting the theater.
U.S. and Tunisian officials also discussed the consolidation of USAREUR-AF and SETAF-Africa, cooperation with the 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade and enhancing capabilities through training opportunities.
In addition, Cavoli and Rohling visited the Tunisian Land Forces Joint Operations Command Center and Joint Reconnaissance Center and met with Tunisian special forces leaders. The U.S. generals also attended a wreath laying ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial, located near Carthage, Tunisia. The cemetery is the final resting place for more than 2,800 fallen U.S. service members from World War II.
The U.S.-Tunisia military partnership serves as a benchmark in the region.
"Our partnership with Tunisia has never been stronger," Cavoli said. "The U.S. Army views Tunisia as a partner of choice, with a relationship based on cooperation, trust, and our shared commitment to security in the region. Tunisia's contributions to regional peace keeping operations demonstrate its potential as a force multiplier for peace and stability in the region."
