NATO Ships Visit ALGIERS
JFC Naples Press Releases{07}
{16 03 05}
NATO ships will visit Algiers from 18 to 21 March when units from the Standing NATO Response Force Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) will be berthed in Algiers Harbour. The visit will allow NATO to foster dialogue, co-operation and mutual understanding as part of the ongoing “Mediterranean Dialogue” Programme.
The Commander of the Force, Commodore I. Karaiskos, Greek Navy, will exchange calls with local civil and military authorities. A programme of briefings and ship tours for local officials has been arranged. A cultural programme will allow the crews to visit some of the highlights of the city of Algiers and the surrounding area.
SNMG2 was established as a NATO Immediate Reaction Force on 26 May 1999, under the initial name of Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean (SNFM). Since its activation, in addition to conducting training activities, it has participated in NATO peace support operations related to crises in the Balkans. The Force also periodically participates in Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s maritime contribution to the fight against international terrorism. In the past year the force has participated in several NATO and non-NATO exercises and has visited numerous ports in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea.
Nations normally contributing to SNMG2 are Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.
The following ships currently comprise the Force:
- HS THEMISTOKLES, Greek frigate (flagship)
- FGS EMDEN, German frigate
- ITS SCIROCCO, Italian frigate
- HNLMS VAN AMSTEL, Dutch frigate
- SPS CANARIAS, Spanish frigate
- TCG GEMLIK, Turkish frigate
- HMS MONMOUTH, UK frigate
- USS TAYLOR, US frigate
- SPS PATINO, Spanish AOR (replenishment ship)
Launched in 1994, the Mediterranean Dialogue has successfully contributed to better mutual understanding, confidence and cooperation between NATO and its seven Mediterranean partners: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. The Dialogue was further enhanced after the Istanbul Summit in June 2004, when it was elevated to a partner’s relationship. At the same time, NATO leaders launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) with selected countries in the broader region of the Middle East.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
There will be a media tour and press conference onboard the flagship on 18 March at 1500 (local) on HS THEMISTOKLES.
More information about SNMG2 can be found at
http://www.jfcnaples.nato.int/JFCN_factsheets/SNMG2.htm
More information about the Mediterranean Dialogue and ICI can be found at
http://www.nato.int/med-dial/home.htm
Point of contact for enquiries:
Italian Embassy in Algeria
Tel: 0021 321 922330
0021 321 922550
Fax: 0021 321 925986
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