U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. Central Command, has said his meetings with U.S. allies’ military and government leaders as part of his visits to countries that comprise Centcom’s area of responsibility seek to build up regional security and stability, DoD News reported Aug. 30.
Cheryl Pellerin writes Votel said maritime security is one of the areas where allies value their partnerships with the U.S.
He told the media at the Pentagon that the Suez Canal, Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are the three maritime chokepoints that play a role in the global economy.
“Our efforts, together with the efforts of our partners and allies, help to ensure the free flow of commerce through these chokepoints and to other parts of the world,” Votel said.
He also cited Afghan forces’ adoption of security strategy to defend their sovereign spaces and the coalition’s campaign against the Islamic State militant organization in Syria and Iraq, according to the report.
