NATO warships boost ties with Tunisia

The Romanian frigate ROS Regina Maria has made a port call in Tunis while deployed with NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian, according to Allied Maritime Command.

The visit took place from 16 to 17 September and formed part of a wider deployment in the western Mediterranean, where NATO vessels are carrying out patrols to enhance maritime security and reinforce partnerships. The task group is led by Romanian Navy Captain George-Victor Durea aboard Regina Maria, supported by Croatia’s HRV Vukovar.

Captain Durea said the stop was an opportunity to reinforce long-standing relationships in the region. “Our visit presented an opportunity to foster good relations with nations that we have partnered with for years that are vitally important to keeping the region safe,” he stated.

During the visit, Captain Durea and Regina Maria’s Commanding Officer, Captain Mitel-Laurențiu Alexandru, were hosted at La Goulette Naval Base by Tunisian Navy Commodore Ketib Khouja. The ship’s crew hosted a luncheon on board, took part in cultural exchanges, and used the opportunity to resupply and refuel before returning to sea.

NATO highlighted that Tunisia has been a Mediterranean Dialogue partner for nearly three decades. Engagements such as port visits, it said, remain central to building interoperability and reinforcing cooperation with regional navies.

Operation Sea Guardian is NATO’s standing maritime security mission in the Mediterranean. According to Allied Maritime Command, its role is to enhance maritime situational awareness, safeguard trade routes, deter terrorism, and counter threats to navigation. The operation includes regular patrols, exercises, and partner engagements, providing what NATO describes as continuous vigilance and a coordinated response to evolving security challenges.

The full release is available from NATO here.