Dominican, French forces wrap up ‘Dune’ exercises

Bani, Dominican Republic.- Dominican and French armed forces on Wednesday wrapped up 11 days of intense and demanding military training exercises "Dune 2014" at the Calderas Naval Base, Peravia Province (south).

The exercises held during the last nine years focus on tactical, land and amphibious operations for the navies of both countries to confront threats against regional security.

In the closing ceremony Defense minister Sigfrido Pared said Dominican and French troops have honed their operational skills, capacity and effectiveness during the last nine years since the exercises have been staged.

For his part, Navy chief of staff Edwin Dominici said only proper training assures effective operations.

Meanwhile French ambassador Blandine Kreiss called the "Dunes" exercise a significant boost for bilateral military cooperation, adding that the troops worked together and exchanged experiences.