SNMG2 Strengthens Regional Partnership with Port Visit to Alexandria, Egypt

Standing NATO Maritime Group Two visits Alexandria to strengthen regional partnership

The Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) made a port visit to Alexandria, Egypt, as part of NATO’s efforts to reinforce maritime cooperation in the Mediterranean. The stop was conducted within the framework of the Mediterranean Dialogue, NATO’s initiative to build closer relations with North African and Middle Eastern partners.

SNMG2, commanded by Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo of the Italian Navy, operates under NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). The task group includes flagship ITS Carlo Bergamini (F590), TCG Barbaros (F244) from Türkiye and HMCS St. John’s (F340) from Canada.

During the visit, the task group carried out several joint activities with the Egyptian Navy, including coordination meetings, briefings, and a PASSEX (Passing Exercise) aimed at improving interoperability and tactical communication between allied and partner navies.

This engagement highlights NATO’s ongoing presence and commitment in the southern Mediterranean, where maritime security remains a shared priority — from counter-terrorism and anti-trafficking operations to the protection of key sea lines.

For Italy and other southern NATO members, such cooperation plays a strategic role in ensuring regional stability and maintaining open and secure routes across the Mediterranean Sea.