During his visit, Wikoff met with U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Bill Bazzi to discuss the longstanding bilateral relationship with Tunisia, one of only three countries in Africa designated as a major non-NATO ally of the United States. He then met with Tunisian Minister of National Defense Khaled Sehili to advance U.S.–Tunisia defense cooperation, with a focus on regional stability and shared security interests in addressing transnational crimes like illicit drug and human trafficking across the Mediterranean.
Wikoff also met with Adm. Adel Jehane, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Navy, to discuss expanding naval cooperation, professional military education, and future opportunities such as ship rider programs and subject matter expert exchanges.
At these meetings, leaders focused their discussions on enhancing maritime capabilities and achieving interoperability through bilateral and multinational exercises, like Phoenix Express, which Tunisia has hosted for the last five consecutive years. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to African-led solutions for common maritime security challenges.
“Tunisia is a trusted maritime partner in North Africa and the Mediterranean,” said Wikoff. “By working together, we are developing capabilities that strengthen maritime security, improve readiness, and contribute to regional stability.”
While at La Pêcherie Naval Base in Bizerte, Wikoff observed operational demonstrations by Tunisian maritime and special operations forces, which included visit, board, search and seizure operations, close-quarters combat, and combat diving. He also toured the under-construction Maritime Center of Excellence for marine commando training. Developed through a bilateral security initiative, the facility is designed to serve as a regional training hub for maritime and special operations.
“The Maritime Center of Excellence represents a significant investment in regional security,” Wikoff added. “This facility will help develop highly skilled maritime professionals, strengthen interoperability among partner nations, and provide a platform for multinational training.”
Wikoff also recognized Tunisia’s leadership and continued participation in Phoenix Express, an annual NAVAF-coordinated multinational maritime exercise designed to strengthen combined warfighting readiness and lethality in maritime security operations by improving regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise.
“Phoenix Express demonstrates what is possible when nations work together to address shared maritime challenges,” said Wikoff. “Tunisia’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to multinational cooperation continue to make it an indispensable partner in advancing maritime security throughout the region.”
For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa has forged strategic relationships to preserve stability and advance common security interests. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.
