U.S. Centcom Commander visits Egypt to attend part of 'Bright Star 2021' exercises

CAIRO – 12 September 2021: Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid received Sunday Commander of the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) Kenneth Mckenzie to hold a meeting on the sidelines of joint exercises "Bright Star 2021."

"Bright Star 2021" is taking place on September 2-17 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base with the participation of 21 countries. Those are Egypt, United States, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Cyprus, Iraq, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, Kenya, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Greece, Pakistan, Kuwait, UAE, Tunisia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and France.

The Egyptian and American commanders discussed a number of topics pertinent to the exercises, and its importance in the area of experience exchange. In that context, the chief of staff asserted the keenness of the Egyptian Armed Forces on following up on the daily activities of the exercises. He added that all the resources needed by participating elements to accomplish the missions they are assigned, are made available.

On his side, the commander of Centcom commended the echo made by Bright Star exercises in the international military sphere as well as the ability of the Egyptian Army to organize such event, which is one of the biggest and strongest exercises carried out in the Middle East.

Later on, Farid and Mckenzie went on a tour visiting the Command and Control Centers to check on mechanisms adopted to achieve joint planning of exercise missions. They also headed to the exercise fields, where Centcom commander lauded the combat competency of participants as well as the exercise and administrative capabilities of Mohamed Naguib Military Base. He also praised the exercise fields equipped to host all specializations.

Finally, the chief of staff addressed the participating forces hailing the outstanding performance they have achieved during the exercises, and welcoming them in Egypt. He also delivered the greetings of Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and General Commander Mohamed Zaki, minister of defense and military production.