Tunis: U.S. Sixth Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Jeffrey Anderson stated that Tunisia's hosting of the 'Phoenix Express 26' naval exercise symbolizes the robust teamwork and strength of the partnership between the U.S. Sixth Fleet and the Tunisian Armed Forces and Navy. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Anderson made these remarks on Thursday during the Dave Day event at the main naval base in Bizerte. He emphasized the significance of Phoenix Express as a crucial exercise benefiting Tunisia, the United States, and their regional partners. The exercise aims to enhance security, safety, and stability in the Mediterranean, a vital waterway that accommodates approximately 15% of global maritime traffic despite covering less than 1% of the world's waters. Anderson highlighted that the challenges and threats in the region, such as terrorism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling, and drug trafficking, are shared responsibilities that require collective action. He noted the importance of a collective understanding of maritime activities to effectively counter these illicit activities. The exercise is designed to ensure that participating nations can effectively handle existing challenges, including search-and-rescue operations, tactical interception, disaster preparedness, and response. Over the past two weeks, these missions have been the focus of participant training. Anderson expressed his satisfaction with returning to Tunisia for the third time since assuming command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. He praised the Tunisian Navy's expertise and training capabilities, demonstrated by Tunisia's hosting of Phoenix Express for the fifth consecutive year. Tunisia is conducting the multinational 'Phoenix Express 26' naval exercise from September 6 to 18 in collaboration with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The exercise involves approximately 400 military personnel and observers from 13 countries, including Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Trkiye, Malta, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Georgia, the U nited States, and Tunisia. The Tunisian Navy received five military vessels for the exercise, which aims to bolster regional cooperation and develop joint operational capabilities in maritime security. The training involves the use and integration of modern systems, equipment, and capabilities in naval operations, focusing on countering illicit activities and threats like smuggling, human trafficking, and organized crime, contributing to the Mediterranean's security and stability. The exercise program includes theoretical courses and practical workshops covering various maritime fields. These include the use of unmanned surface vehicles, vessel boarding and inspection, maritime intelligence, countering biological and chemical weapons, medical support and first aid, and the legal framework governing maritime activities. During a meeting with Vice Admiral Anderson at the Defence Ministry on Wednesday, Defence Minister Khaled Shili expressed his satisfaction with the level of military cooperation between Tuni sia and the United States. He mentioned that this cooperation has paved the way for a long-term strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, respect, and shared values, principles, and interests. Shili also expressed a desire to expand cooperation in intelligence, develop naval capabilities, and improve readiness to respond to maritime threats, acknowledging the growing challenges in the region. He highlighted Tunisia's role as a strategic partner and a platform for regional cooperation and influence, positioning it as a potential regional hub for military training through the Naval Special Forces Center of Excellence.