Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Amanda Dory, engaged in discussions with Côte d'Ivoire's civilian and military leaders to explore ways to enhance the bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Côte d'Ivoire. Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. Garron Garn provided details on the meeting.

Ms. Dory reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Côte d'Ivoire and other West African nations in their efforts to prevent the spread of violent extremist organizations (VEOs). She emphasized a regional approach for ensuring security and stability and highlighted the advantages of the State Partnership Program, which recently included Côte d'Ivoire.

In her meetings with Ivorian Minister of Defense Téné Birahima Ouattara, Chief of the President's Military Cabinet Fidéle Sarassoro, and other senior security officials, Ms. Dory discussed several key issues. Both parties agreed on enhancing security sector governance, adopting a comprehensive government approach for building security and stability, strengthening maritime security, and improving civil-military relations.

The discussions also addressed disinformation threats from malign actors affecting both countries. Ms. Dory assured continued support from the Department of Defense in modernizing Ivorian security services to counter VEO threats effectively. Minister Ouattara shared insights on regional security challenges faced by Côte d'Ivoire and other Coastal West African countries due to VEO activities originating from the Sahel region.