MUNICH -- Bavarian State Minister of the Interior, Traffic and Construction, Minister Joachim Herrmann hosted Michael Formica, director of IMCOM-Europe, for an office call Sept. 15 at the Munich Ministry of the Interior.

Col. Lance Varney, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, and Col. Ben Jones, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, also participated.

The office call focused on ensuring the quality-of-life and safety for U.S. Army Europe Soldiers, civilian employees and family members living and working in the state of Bavaria.

"We had a very successful engagement to address topics of mutual interest, and to thank Minister Herrmann for his cooperation and support of our garrisons in Bavaria," said Formica.

Herrmann praised the "excellent relationship" between the Bavarian government and U.S. Forces, saying he looks forward as the two "continue working together as trusted partners."

Engagements with local leaders contribute significantly in strengthening the relationship of U.S. Army Europe and Installation Management Command Europe senior leaders and key host nation counterparts -- ensuring continued effective information-sharing and cooperation in major construction, force protection and security-related areas.

The visit was coordinated by the U.S. Forces Liaison Office Bavaria and IMCOM-Europe.