Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory to Visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire

Ms. Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire from December 1-4. In Benin, she will meet with key defense officials to reinforce bilateral relations. In Côte d’Ivoire, she will engage with President Ouattara and discuss regional security concerns. The trip highlights the U.S. commitment to collaborating with African partners on security issues.

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. The trip will commence in Cotonou, Benin, on December 2, where Ms. Dory will hold discussions with several key officials, including Minister of Defense Fortunet Nouatin and Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi. This engagement emphasizes the strong partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Benin Ministry of Defense.

On December 3, Ms. Dory will travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to meet with President Alassane Ouattara and subsequently engage with Minister of Defense Téné Ouattara and senior security officials. These discussions will focus on regional security issues and reinforcing bilateral defense relationships. Côte d’Ivoire serves as a vital ally in West Africa, contributing to stability in the region.

This visit is part of the Department of Defense’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with African partners on shared challenges, including violent extremism and maritime security. It emphasizes the United States’ commitment to fostering cooperation with partners in Coastal West Africa to confront mutual security concerns and enhance regional stability. Further updates regarding the visit will be disseminated through official releases as they become available.

The U.S. Department of Defense has been actively engaged in fostering relationships with West African nations, recognizing their strategic importance in addressing various security challenges in the region. The bilateral ties with countries like Benin and Côte d’Ivoire help in tackling issues such as violent extremism, drug trafficking, and maritime security threats. The planned visit by Ms. Amanda Dory marks a continuation of efforts to strengthen these relationships and promote regional stability. The meetings scheduled during this trip are especially significant given the growing concern over security in West Africa, which has been threatened by extremist groups and unstable governance. Engagements at the ministerial level will facilitate discussions on collaborative strategies to enhance defense capabilities and joint operations, reinforcing the resolve to protect the sovereignty and safety of the nations involved.

In summary, Ms. Amanda Dory’s upcoming visit to Benin and Côte d’Ivoire underscores the United States’ commitment to strengthening defense partnerships in West Africa. Through high-level discussions with key government officials, the visit aims to address regional security challenges such as violent extremism and maritime threats. The engagements reflect a strategic approach to ensuring stability and fostering cooperative efforts in addressing mutual concerns.

Original Source: www.miragenews.com