CENTCOM Commander Completes Regional Visit Focused on Security Cooperation
The Itinerary included visits to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.
MIDDLE EAST AND CENTRAL ASIA — From July 20 to August 2, 2025, U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla conducted a 15-day tour across 11 countries in the command's area of responsibility.
The itinerary included engagements with service members, chiefs of defense, ministers of defense, and heads of state in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.
A key event during the visit was Pakistan's co-hosting of the Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defense Conference, which involved leaders from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States, emphasizing regional security cooperation under the theme "Strengthening Bonds, Security Peace."
In Iraq, General Kurilla oversaw the change of command for the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, highlighting the 87-member nation coalition's role in defeating ISIS as one of the most successful international coalitions.
The visit underscored the importance of direct engagement to understand regional complexities, challenges, and opportunities. General Kurilla emphasized that no amount of reports or communications can substitute for on-the-ground interactions with partners and local populations.
The tour reflects ongoing U.S. efforts to bolster alliances amid persistent security threats in the region, including counter-terrorism operations and responses to non-state actors.
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