Frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ and AOR ‘Cantabria’ integrated into NATO’s Standing Maritime Group 2 visit Algiers.

F-100 frigate ‘Cristóbal Colón’ and the auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship ‘Cantabria’, both integrated into the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) have visited the port of Algiers. The visit served to strengthen the relations between Algeria and NATO and promote maritime security issues in the Mediterranean. The visit was framed within NATO’s ‘Mediterranean Dialogue’ Initiative with North African nations.

During the scheduled port call, the Maritime Group welcomed the Ambassador of Spain to Algeria, Fernando Morán, who is also NATO’s representative in that country. The Algerian General Zine-Eddine Samah and other local authorities also visited the SNMG-2.

During the visit, several, social, protocol and operational activities were organized to tighten the relationships and enhance mutual understanding. One of the most important events was an exercise conducted at sea on November 22nd between the SNMG-2 and the Algerian frigate ‘Erradii’ in order to improve the joint operative capability of NATO and the Algerian Navy in the future.

To further improve the ties of friendship and mutual knowledge, crews from different SNMG-2’s warships had the chance to participate in several sports activities and visit sites of cultural interest in the city of Algiers accompanied by members of the Algerian Armed Forces.