Photo By Staff Sgt. James Bunn | Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Central, exchanges gifts...... read more read more
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SAUDI ARABIA - Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Central, paid a visit to military partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen relations and discuss theater security cooperation, military-to-military exchanges and other training opportunities, Feb. 29 to March 2.
Garrett’s visit, his second to Saudi Arabia since assuming command of USARCENT, November 2015, started with a meeting with U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Joseph W. Westphal, to discuss current and future U.S.-Saudi relations as they relate to security in the region.
“As the commander of USARCENT, one of the most important tasks I have is to support our nation’s goals with regard to the stability of the region, and to help build partner capacity, which promotes self-reliance and increases security,” said Garrett. "Saudi Arabia is a key player in the region and building a stronger relationship with their military will increase our interoperability and combined ability to react to regional threats.”
Last year USACENT’s mission focused on supporting Iraqis in their fight against Daesh, which decreased the one-on-one engagements between USACENT and their partner nations in the region.
“Within the Central Command area of responsibility, USARCENT strives to move the region toward greater security and stability,” said Col. Kelly Webster, USARCENT deputy chief of staff. “We pursue this goal by working closely with our friends and allies in the region. To this end, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains a critical partner; one that exercises considerable influence within the Arab world.”
While in Saudi Arabia, Garrett addressed future training opportunities and security concerns. He said he would like to continue to see combined partner nation supported bi-lateral and multi-lateral exercises to learn from each other in order to sustain regional stability.
“Saudi Arabia has one of the largest and most capable military forces in the region,” said Garrett. “Other Gulf Cooperation Council nations will look at them to lead the efforts against militants and terrorist groups within the Middle East. Working together and continuing to build trust between our forces is critical to the success in the global war on terror.”
In one meeting with the Royal Saudi Forces, Garrett asked about some of the challenges they face and ways they have overcome those challenges. He added he was interested in lessons learned and how to apply them to USARCENT operations and readiness.
Garrett’s visit included a stop in Iraq and Kuwait, where he visited with U.S. Soldiers to encourage and thank them for their service and dedication to USARCENT’s mission. While speaking with Soldiers, Garrett stressed the importance of maintaining a ready force and encouraged Soldiers and their leaders to continue honing their skills.
“What we do is vital to the security of our nation,” said Garrett. “Our discipline and attention to detail ensure that we accomplish our mission and make the region a more secure and stable place.”
| Date Taken: | 03.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2016 04:05 |
| Story ID: | 192529 |
| Location: | SA |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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