PARIS – More than 200 military, government and civilian personnel from 21 African countries, six European countries and the United States met in Paris, June 22, to begin planning for Africa Partnership Station (APS) initiatives to take place in 2011.

"Our partnerships continue to grow," said Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, Deputy chief of staff for strategy, resources and policy at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa. "This is the largest number of participants in any APS planning conference to date, especially from our African partners, our most important participants in this conference."

During the APS main planning conference, U.S. and partner nation representatives will collaborate to develop plans for maritime exercises, training events and port visits in Africa.

"Naval Forces Europe and Africa recognize the benefit of assembling a diverse and focused group of professionals with the common goal of improving maritime security throughout Africa," said Hueber.

APS is an international initiative developed by Naval Forces Europe-Africa that aims to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.